Atlanta, GA. – Georgia lawmakers are cracking down on gangs and gang violence.
This week Gov. Brian Kemp backed a bill that will increase prison sentences for gang crime.
No city is immune to gang violence or crime. It can happen anywhere. It’s even affecting communities in Brunswick, Georgia, and is a top priority for the Glynn County Police Department.
“Most of our shootings, fatal accidents or grand theft autos are related to gang activity,” Glynn County Police Department Capt. Shawn Strohl said.
State lawmakers are pushing for tougher gang sentences in the Peach State under Senate Law 44, which says anyone convicted under Georgia’s comprehensive anti-gang law must serve a minimum of five years in state prison in addition to any other sentence.
Anyone convicted of recruiting minors for a gang will receive 10 additional years with no possibility of parole or parole. Judges have a limited ability to reduce sentences. In addition, prosecutors can appeal a leniency program for lesser charges.
Strohl said if adopted, it would improve police action against gang violence.
“It’s about holding lawyers more accountable for fulfilling the allegations they should be charged with,” Strohl said.
Some critics disagree with the measure, saying Georgia law already has harsh penalties and there is no guarantee it will stop criminals. Critics also argue that the 10-year hiring penalty could hit 17- and 18-year-olds and younger teens.
The bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee by a vote of 6 to 3. It now goes to the Senate for further discussion.
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