CRIMINAL JUSTICE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

February 13, 2008

Administrative Center Room 3220

11:30 a.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Tim Gruenke, Steve Helgeson, Steve O’Malley, Tom Locante, Ramona Gonzalez, Elliott Levine, Bill Hammes, John Perlich, Jane Klekamp

MEMBERS EXCUSED:

Dennis Montabon, Steve Doyle

OTHERS PRESENT:

None

 

CALL TO ORDER

The meeting was called to order at 11:30 a.m.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment. 

 

APPROVAL OF THE JANUARY 9, 2008 MINUTES OF THE CJMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

MOTION by O’Malley/Hammes to approve the January 9, 2008 minutes of the CJMC Executive Committee carried unanimously.  (Montabon & Doyle excused)

 

REPORT ON DATA REGARDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES

The committee had theorized domestic violence cases were the cause for disproportionate numbers of arrestees.  After reviewing the report distributed by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, it was agreed that did not appear to be the case.  Some expressed a concern regarding data accuracy.

 

CASE LOAD FILINGS FROM OTHER COUNTIES COMPARABLE TO LA CROSSE

The caseload filings were compared to the arrest data from other counties.  The committee agreed to review the data at the next meeting in the following manner.  Compare the total arrests with the total population, use the same reports as the Carey Report, use 2005 data as comparison data.  The committee also agreed the data is more difficult to sort out than simple numbers demonstrate.  La Crosse County should continue with its philosophy and compare

La Crosse County to La Crosse County.  It may not be effective to compare La Crosse County to other counties.  The committee will review further data next month. 

 

LIMITED RISK MANAGEMENT – PRIORITIZATION OF CRIMES

A list of crimes was distributed to the committee to determine if the draft list developed by Judge Gonzalez and Jane was appropriate to forward to the next level.  The committee discussed the best way to utilize the LSI-R.  The committee agreed to the following process, understanding it needs to be approved by the following groups:  Courts, District Attorney’s Office, Defense Bar, and the Criminal Justice Management Council. 

 

CJMC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

February 13, 2008

Page 2

 

 

Process:

  1. Post Plea
  2. The court has the option of asking for an LSI-R through JS when probation is recommended.
  3. The defense or prosecution has an opportunity to request for a recommendation.

 

For the lack of a better term, a “sentencing grid” will be drafted.

 

Recommendations by Judge Gonzalez and Jane Klekamp

 

  1. Felonies – exclude as there is a pre-sentence investigation
  2. Include the following misdemeanor types of cases
    1. Theft
    2. Assaultive
    3. Fraud
    4. Stolen property
    5. Vandalism
    6. Sex offenses
    7. Drug possession
    8. Family offenses (domestic violence)
    9. Driving while intoxicated (4th only)
    10. Negligent handling of burning materials

 

  1. Exclude the following misdemeanor types of cases
    1. Weapons
    2. Prostitution
    3. Gambling violations
    4. Liquor laws
    5. Disorderly conduct
    6. Vagrancy
    7. Curfew and loitering
    8. runaways

 

ADJOURN

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 1:00 p.m.

 

Next Meeting Date: March 12th at 11:30 a.m. in Room 3220.

 

The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next Council meeting.

 

Recorded by Jane Klekamp