Our criminal justice system should embrace alternative prison sentencing. Although Mark Grace received two DUI charges within 15 months, he was sentenced to four months work release. Mark Grace is allowed to work, but is locked up at night. He is allowed to remain a productive member of society and his family’s finances remain stable. As the following article reports, he faces other restrictions. More effective addiction programs and flexible sentencing will reduce our overcrowded prisons and reduce recidivism.
By Laurie Merrill The Republic | azcentral.com Sun Feb 10, 2013 7:52 PM
Former Diamondbacks player and broadcaster Mark Grace was booked into jail Sunday morning to begin serving a four-month term for his DUI conviction.
Grace pleaded guilty to reduced charges last month stemming from an August arrest in Scottsdale, which marked his second DUI arrest in 15 months.
He was booked in the Lower Buckeye jail Sunday morning but will serve his term in Tent City, Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office deputies said.
Grace will report to Tent City from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m until June 10. He will be allowed to leave to work during the day.
The Diamondbacks have rehired Grace as a Spring Training coach and instructor.
On Jan. 31, Grace pleaded guilty to one count each of endangerment and DUI. He was originally charged with four counts of aggravated DUI, which carry mandatory prison time. Two counts were dropped and the other two were reduced.
Maricopa County Superior Court Commissioner Jerry Bernstein sentenced Grace to four months of work release and two years of supervised probation. Grace must use an interlock device for six months, Bernstein said, and the state Department of Motor Vehicles will determine when Grace can get back his driver’s license.
Grace is in counseling and participates in a group for people who have problems with alcohol, his attorney, Larry Kazan, said in court.
Grace, he said, “has really taken this matter to heart.”
Grace was arrested about 9 p.m. Aug. 23 after he was pulled over while driving near 7200 E. McCormick Parkway in Scottsdale.
Tests showed he had a blood-alcohol content of 0.095 percent, which is above the legal limit of 0.08 percent, Scottsdale police said.
DWI (DUI) is serious business, the risks of safety to all on the roads of a driver under the influence, a very dangerous, and hazardous situation. I would hate to think I was driving on a road with a person committing DWI (DUI), and wonder how many times had this person been STOPPED and TICKETED by police, and how many times had this person GOTTEN AWAY WITH IT without getting pulled over. The first offense, rehabilitation classes, suspended license, MADD classes, community service (40 hours min.) and fines and fees. 2nd offense, in-treatment rehab. (3 months min.) lock-down. *And all… Read more »
I am delighted to learn that AZ is willing to work with repentents on aternative sentencing. I just hope that the leniency will apply to those who are not sports figures…