(Statehouse) – Legislation authored by State Rep. Alex Zimmerman (R-North Vernon) that would cap the maximum term of incarceration for misdemeanor consecutive sentences is moving on to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
Zimmerman says House Bill 1014 would install a cap on terms of imprisonment for misdemeanor sentences similar to how felony sentences are capped in certain situations.
“This bill would address a gap where those charged and sentenced with consecutive misdemeanors could face more time incarcerated than if they were convicted of similar felony crimes,” Zimmerman said. “This is a code revision so that we are not sentencing misdemeanor offenders more than we would those facing more severe charges.”
He says an example of this was showcased recently, when a defendant received a 12-year aggregate sentence for 24 misdemeanor counts. But if the defendant were facing similar felony charges, the maximum term of incarceration would have been capped at four years.
Zimmerman said this bill could also help alleviate strain on local sheriffs, since those serving a misdemeanor sentence do so in county jails.
Another Southeastern Indiana lawmaker, State Rep. Garrett Bascom (R-Lawrenceburg), co-authored the measure.
To learn more about the bill and follow the current legislative session, visit iga.in.gov.
Zimmerman represents House District 67, which includes portions of Ripley, Decatur, Jennings, and Jefferson counties.
