Monthly Archives: July 2016

JEFFERSON CIRCUIT COURT ADDRESSES JAIL OVERCROWDING

From the Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Click here for PDF download of this document.

Seal of Kentucky
OFFICE OF THE COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY
COMMONWEALTH OF KENTUCKY
30th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT
THOMAS B. WINE, COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY

Media Release: July 21, 2016

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 JEFFERSON CIRCUIT COURT ADDRESSES JAIL OVERCROWDING

Chief Jefferson Circuit Court Judge Charles L. Cunningham, Jr., in consultation with the general term of the Jefferson Circuit Court, has entered an emergency order that will allow a limited number of non-violent individuals to be transferred from the Metro Department of Corrections’ main facility to its Home Incarceration Program.

The order provides that a list of proposed candidates will be provided to the Office of Commonwealth’s Attorney at least 48 hours prior to any modifications in custody.  This period will allow our office the opportunity to either object to said changes or, if we don’t object, to advise the victims of the change in custody.

This order is designed to address the current jail overcrowding issue. It was circulated at recent meeting of the Jail Policy Committee. That meeting was attended by prosecutors, defense attorneys, judges, correction officials, citizen advisors, and other court officials. All recognized that the jail overcrowding issue is a matter of utmost concern.  As failure to address this problem in the past led to Federal court intervention, I believe it is better for local officials to act now in order to maintain control of pretrial incarceration.

The inmate custody modifications are expected to begin next week.

Thomas B. Wine
COMMONWEALTH’S ATTORNEY
Office of Commonwealth’s Attorney
514 W. Liberty Street
Louisville, Kentucky
40202

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The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office occupies a critical position in the criminal justice system. Commonly referred to as the District Attorney in most states, the Commonwealth’s Attorney must focus the power of the state on those who defy its laws. As legal representative for the people, the Commonwealth’s Attorney has the duty to seek justice for all. Visit www.louisvilleprosecutor.com for more information.

PLEASE CONTACT
Jeff Cooke
Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney
514 West Liberty Street
Louisville, KY 40202
Tel: 502-595-2340
Mobile:  502-262-5809
Email:  JCooke@louisvilleprosecutor.com