Graves: Two Strikes, You're Out

Graves: Two Strikes, You're Out
Thursday, June 9, 2005

Congressman introduces Legislation aimed at Sex Offenders

(Washington, D.C) U.S. Congressman Sam Graves has introduced tough legislation today that mandates a life sentence for anyone who is twice convicted of federal sexual assault.

"For those who commit sexual assault, the first chance to reform needs to be their last chance to reform," Graves said. "The punishment should not only reflect the seriousness of the crime, but it should also serve to protect other innocent people from sexual assault."

Graves' bill would also toughen several existing sentencing guidelines. It would require that multiple sentences are served consecutively rather than concurrently. Keeping sex offenders off the street prevents them from causing more harm to innocent lives.

Graves said he introduced the measure because he became increasingly upset reading and hearing about cases where a sexual offender had been paroled only to immediately commit the same crime or another felony. Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) research shows that offenders who served time for sexual assault were 7.5 times as likely as those convicted of other crimes to be arrested for a new sexual assault.

"Its clear to me that these types of individuals are more likely to become repeat offenders," said Graves. "They are a danger to society and I intend to take action."

The bill will be referred to the House Judiciary Committee.

http://www.house.gov/graves/newsroom/060905a.htm