2 Nov 2023

A new report from the Wisconsin Policy Forum has found that Wisconsin has one of the largest corrections budgets in the nation, and that Black Wisconsinites are imprisoned at close to 12 times the rate of white Wisconsinites.

These findings are deeply troubling, and they raise serious questions about the state’s priorities and criminal justice system.

At Jasti & Khandhar, we are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients, and we believe that everyone deserves to be treated fairly under the law. We are urging the state to take action to reform the criminal justice system and address the racial disparities that have been identified in this report.

Here are some of the things that the state can do to reduce reliance on incarceration and address racial disparities in the criminal justice system:

  • Invest in alternatives to incarceration. There are many effective alternatives to incarceration, such as drug treatment, mental health services, and diversion programs. Investing in these alternatives would free up resources and allow the state to focus on incarcerating only those who pose a serious threat to public safety.
  • Decriminalize nonviolent offenses. Many nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession and prostitution, are currently criminalized in Wisconsin. This leads to unnecessary arrests and convictions, particularly of people of color. Decriminalizing these offenses would reduce the number of people in the criminal justice system and help to address racial disparities.
  • Reform sentencing laws. Wisconsin’s sentencing laws are among the harshest in the country. This leads to long sentences for even minor offenses, particularly for people of color. Reforming sentencing laws would reduce the number of people in prison and save the state money.

We encourage everyone to contact their elected officials and urge them to support reforms to the criminal justice system. Together, we can make a difference.

5 Jan 2023

Federal Judiciary Grows More Diverse

On behalf of Jasti & Khandhar   |   Criminal Justice System

The federal judiciary has grown visibly more diverse during the first two years of the Biden administration. Of the 97 federal judges confirmed during his term, 74 are women. This includes the first woman of color to serve on the 5th Circuit appeals court as well as the first black woman to serve on the 7th Circuit Appeals Court from Indiana. Learn more here.

1 Dec 2022

Older people can still pose a threat to another person, regardless of how old or mentally capable they are. For example, when a police officer is called on an older person, the interaction may escalate quickly due to simple confusion or difficulty following the officer’s instructions. Since Dementia and Alzheimer’s can make it difficult for people to communicate, confusion can seem aggressive if the person is overwhelmed or afraid. Learn more here.