Just in case you have to travel to Boston, here's a heads up starting in January. There are some people out there that would like to see this in places in Ohio as well. i've seen other people however say why not stop at just those crimes? Why not just quit prosecuting all crimes, particularly gun possession and use of force type crimes? Let the general public or the neighborhoos watch take care of it's own areas, like when the Phoenix PD went out on strike for a few days years ago.
With rare exception, offenses of shoplifting, trespass, threats, and larceny under $250 will no longer be prosecuted, as well as disturbing the peace, disorderly conduct, and “minor driving offenses,” according to the list.
Breaking and entering will not be prosecuted, as long as the perpetrator makes sure the property is vacant. Alternatively, those who commit break-ins of occupied homes because they are cold or tired, but don’t damage anything, will also be in the clear.
Offenders won’t have to worry about going to court over receiving stolen property or underage drinking, and won't be held accountable for wanton or malicious destruction of property, either.
Making threats will also be permitted, with the exception of those related to domestic violence.
Drug possession will no longer be prosecuted in Suffolk County – even in cases where the suspect is a drug dealer.
“I don’t think she’s properly taking into account the cost that criminals inflict on society even for minor crimes,” National District Attorney’s Association President William Fitzpatrick explained. “Ignoring minor crimes leads to an increase in violent crimes.”
Former U.S. President Barack Obama disagreed, and praised Rollins during a speech at the University of Illinois in September, WBZ reported.
“Do what they just did in Philadelphia and Boston, and elect state attorneys and district attorneys who are looking at issues in a new light,” he said at the time.
Northeastern University law professor Daniel Medwed concurred, and described Rollins’ declination to prosecute as “the next frontier of criminal justice reform,” WGBH reported.
“If you have a prosecutor who is declining to charge…that can go a long way toward advancing justice, cutting back on mass incarceration,” Medwed said.
“I think Rachael Rollins should be applauded for trying to do something different, for trying to address the trap of a criminal conviction that ensnares so many young people in Boston, especially young men of color,” the professor added. “Even if you get probation, typically, for one of these offenses, it's very easy to violate the terms of your probation.”
Being convicted of criminal offenses create a lot of hardships for offenders, Medwed argued.
“The collateral consequences of a criminal record are enormous. You'll have difficulty finding employment. You might be ineligible for certain forms of public housing, in some states you can't even vote,” he complained.
Rollins will be at the helm of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office effective Jan. 2, 2019.