Why are people repeat offenders?

[skull]

 

[zerocool84]

A big contributing factor is that in the USA we don't actually rehabilitate people. We lock them up and expect them to be automatically better when they get out. Never mind the fact that it's extremely difficult for an ex convict to even get any sort of employment as well, our system just repeats the cycle.

 

[John Connor]

I'm curious as to the psychological aspect to this. I myself have never committed a heinous crime other than simple traffic infractions (years ago).

I have came across people, especially a relative in the family that has a repeat-ability in committing crime. What I don't understand is that she seems to have a "lack of embarrassment" about her actions. Or even a high concern that she needs to be a little more careful. She's had repeated traffic offenses with drunk driving, probation violations, debt that goes to court etc.

In my mind, I would feel really bad for myself if I had even one of these on my record. I would be concern that it would cause issues with my job, issues with how people view me etc.... But she has a kinda nonchalant view of it and thinks it's no big deal.

She had a drunk driving charge about a year ago, got another speeding ticket, which became a parole violation, lost her job recently and she lies to me saying she got another job. But in actuality she was fired from her last job because they found out about the drunk driving charge that she concealed from them.

Some people are just actual fuckups. My dad had a friend live with us who was a bloody drunk that I couldn't stand. She got into a car accident because she was drunk. Then she got a rental car right after and smashed that too. Why the rental car company even gave her a car IDK. So this dumb bitch fucked two cars up within as many weeks. Then she was hidinig liquor from us when my mom specifically told her you will NOT drink in the house. Not only that, but she drank half my half pint of Jack and filled the rest up with water. When I took a swig and discovered it was watered down I was so god damn pissed. Then she goes to the bowling alley to get her fix and gets hit by a car! Just some minor scrapes but the dumb ass is lucky to be alive.

There's one thing I can't stand and absolutely loathe. People who think that they can drive while drunk. They are the worst scum and put everyone's life in danger. Imagine you crash into a vehicle with a baby or kids FFS. These fuckers need to be put away for the first offense for at least ten years with the option of AA.

 

[BoomerD]

<snip>

There's one thing I can't stand and absolutely loathe. People who think that they can drive while drunk. They are the worst scum and put everyone's life in danger. Imagine you crash into a vehicle with a baby or kids FFS. These fuckers need to be put away for the first offense for at least ten years with the option of AA.

I agree with most of this...except the option for AA. if they want to attend AA while in prison...fine, but don't allow it as an alternative. You can't force someone to be rehabilitated...not AA, not drugs, not at all. Not until that person decides they WANT to quit will rehab work for them.

 

[John Connor]

You need to read! I said, and I quote, "with the option of AA.."

 

[BoomerD]

You need to read! I said, and I quote, "with the option of AA.."

Here...let me lend you my glasses...

I agree with most of this...except the option for AA. if they want to attend AA while in prison...fine, but don't allow it as an alternative. You can't force someone to be rehabilitated...not AA, not drugs, not at all. Not until that person decides they WANT to quit will rehab work for them.

 

[John Connor]

DUDE! You just got done saying you can't force someone, yada, yada, yada. WTF do you think an option means?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

DUDE! You just got done saying you can't force someone, yada, yada, yada. WTF do you think an option means?

Are you familiar with the expression "Hobson's Choice?"

The choice between AA and prison is no choice at all.

 

[BoomerD]

DUDE! You just got done saying you can't force someone, yada, yada, yada. WTF do you think an option means?

Are you familiar with the expression "Hobson's Choice?"

The choice between AA and prison is no choice at all.

Exactly. People usually opt for drug rehab over going to jail...and that rarely works...nope...if they want to attend AA, let them attend in jail/prison. NOT as an alternative to jail/prison.

 

[who?]

Humans are made to be optimists and believe that we're special. This leads people to believe that they won't get caught.

 

[Darwin333]

The jail system also does not help. Instead of trying to rehabilitate criminals we just revenge them and ruin a big chunk of their lives. When they come out, they have nothing, and they can't get a job. The only thing they know is crime.

It's actually a bit worse. Prison is basically Criminal University, not only are they not rehabilitated they do nothing but learn new and better ways to be criminals they likely would have never learned.

 

[John Connor]

if they want to attend AA, let them attend in jail/prison. NOT as an alternative to jail/prison.

That is what I'm saying. Prison time with the option of AA in prison. Perhaps upon completion 3 years gets knocked off.

 

[BoomerD]

That is what I'm saying. Prison time with the option of AA in prison. Perhaps upon completion 3 years gets knocked off.

No. Since booze isn't readily available in prison...other than a bit of prison hooch from time to time...attending AA would be simple...just going through the steps with no temptations isn't really good enough.

I DO believe in stepped punishment however.

First DUI offense (without causing an accident) 1 year in jail, 5 years probation with mandatory AA/alcohol counseling, and 5 years suspension of driving privileges.
2nd DUI offense within 10 years of the first...OR 1st offense that causes an accident, 3 years mandatory jail time, 10 years probation with AA/alcohol counseling, 10 years suspension of driving privileges.
3rd offense (ever) or any offense involving an accident that causes bodily injury, 5 years mandatory prison time, 20 years probation with AA/alcohol counseling, lifetime revocation of driving privileges, with the option of regaining those privileges under very controlled conditions TBD.
4th offense (ever) or any offense involving the death of a person other than the impaired driver, life in prison without the possibility of parole. At that time, the offender has shown that they can't be rehabilitated and should be removed from society.

There is NO REASON to tolerate drunk driving.

 

[John Connor]

Now you're saying mandatory? You just got done saying you can't force someone. And you just complicated the whole damn thing.

I say you fuck up once your ass is in the slammer. You know the crime, now do the time! There's no sense in getting in a 2 ton beast and being drunk. None once so ever!

 

[BoomerD]

Now you're saying mandatory? You just got done saying you can't force someone. And you just complicated the whole damn thing.

I say you fuck up once your ass is in the slammer. You know the crime, now do the time! There's no sense in getting in a 2 ton beast and being drunk. None once so ever!

You CAN'T force someone to quit...but you CAN offer them help...some will make it...some will fail...but at least you tried.

Hell, I certainly don't have the answers. Addiction is a difficult beast...and affects everyone a bit differently...but jail time isn't/shouldn't be just about rehabilitation. Sometimes, it SHOULD be about punishment...severe punishment.

 

[Brainonska511]

What do you expect in a country that doesn't seem to care about rehabilitation? Instead, we seek only to punish and permanently brand people, making it difficult for them to find gainful employment when they re-enter society.