Justice Reinvestment and Supervision Practices

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM CHALLENGE North Dakota relies more heavily on incarceration for lower-level felonies than most states In FY2014, just 19 PERCENT of felony sentences were to probation. In other states, this rate is higher: nationally, it is 27 percent; in Idaho, 58 percent, and in Kansas, 69 percent. Washington North Dakota Nebraska Michigan National North Carolina Idaho Kansas Prison/Jail 88% Prison/Jail Prison/Jail 76% 74% Prison 60% Jail 16% Prison 52% Jail 22% Prison 21% Jail 55% Prison/Jail Prison/Jail Prison/Jail 76% 69% 66% Prison 41% Jail 28% Prison 42% Jail 24% Prison/Jail 42% Prison 42% Prison/Jail 31% Prison 24% Jail 7% Prison 39% Jail 49% Probation Probation Probation Probation Probation 34% Probation 10% 19% 22% 23% 27% Probation 58% Probation 69% The majority of people sentenced for offenses under the lowest felony class (Class C) receive sentences to prison, where their average length of stay is 10 months, a costly sanction that provides limited options for programs that can lower recidivism. Sentencing people convicted of a Class C offense to probation, however, enables a sentence of up to 5 years that provides longer periods of accountability and monitoring. Probationers can receive treatment as needed, be sanctioned for failure to comply with conditions, and be revoked and sentenced to prison. Council of State Governments Justice Center | 63

View entire presentation