Vol. 9 Presenter: Craig Hay
Presenting
Probated Justice: Free Meek Mill
Summary
The story of injustice in America’s criminal justice system isn’t just about the wrongfully accused sitting in prison for a crime he or she didn’t commit. No doubt those stories are tragic and largely the result of the vicious heritage of racism and classism in America and clear indicators of unaddressed biases that pervade the justice system. However, those cases, the ones you hear about in the news where the wrongfully accused man might finally one day walk free, exonerated after decades in prison—those cases represent a small sample of the millions of cases in America. The vast and overwhelming majority of cases have this resolution: a plea of guilty in exchange for a probated sentence.
The probated sentence originated in the 19th century, where an offender’s jail or prison sentence is suspended for a period of time (often years) while he or she is placed on community supervision. The stated goal of probation has always been rehabilitation as an alternative to lengthy jail or prison sentences. It has also always been presumed that successful rehabilitation would end recidivism. The reality is not this simple.
4.4 million people are currently on probation in America and forced to comply with rigid technical conditions that are not tailored to their individual circumstances. All too often, the end result is a vicious cycle of alleged violations and jail time, a cycle that operates to destroy a probationer’s sense of self-worth and distance her or him from communities of support.
A great example of the failings of the probation system is Meek Mill’s story. Our communities will struggle to find true justice through the most common resolution in the criminal justice system: probation. It’s time to rethink probation. It’s time to Free Meek Mill.
Bio
Craig Hay is a staff attorney for the Law Offices of the Public Defender in Santa Fe. A public defender since the day he received his law license in 2011, Craig has also worked for the public defender in Aztec, New Mexico and Everett, Washington. Craig’s experience in public defense has run the gamut from traffic misdemeanors and domestic violence offenses to mental health commitments and first-degree murder. A tireless advocate and strong believer in the healing power of community building, Craig feels lucky to be inspired by his clients every day.
Craig Hay grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill and law degree from Seattle University School of Law.
Missed our live event? View Craig’s presentation here.
