NCJ Number
142519
Date Published
1991
Length
21 pages
Annotation
This briefing prepared for the Governor of Texas analyzes factors related to the criminal history and offense characteristics of aggravated offenders admitted to State prisons.
Abstract
The tables show that 8 percent of the total number of prison admissions are aggravated offenders, but they comprise 30 percent of the total prison population. The briefing demonstrates the impact of a no-parole policy for aggravated offenders on the baseline backlog and on time served. Over 40 percent of aggravated offenders commit robbery, while 18 percent commit homicide and 14 percent commit assault with a deadly weapon. Over 50 percent of 3G offenders receive sentences ranging from 6 to 20 years. In 73 percent of these cases, there is no pattern of violence determined. The tables show 3G offenders' patterns of weapons use, prison terms served, and projected admissions impact. This briefing includes a suggested policy which proposes that aggravated offenders with prior aggravated and violent convictions or with multiple convictions for aggravated offenses would not be eligible for parole. Over one-quarter of all aggravated offenders admitted to Texas prisons fall into these categories. 13 figures