Schuette crime bill passes Senate

LANSING, MI--Attorney General Bill Schuette issued the following statement in response to his central crime legislation, known as VO-4, passing in the Michigan Senate. ''Repeat violent offenders imperil the safety of our streets, neighborhoods and schools, and they belong behind bars,'' said Schuette. ''We have a strong team committed to improving public safety in Michigan. This is an excellent example of the governor's office, the legislature, and the attorney general all working together to move the public safety needle in a positive direction for our state.'' The VO-4 plan allows prosecutors to require a minimum 25-year sentence for repeat violent offenders who have amassed four felony convictions while progressing to more violent crimes. The bill passed 32-5 and now heads to the House for consideration. Schuette will continue to work with Governor Snyder's office and legislative leaders to ensure the legislation narrowly targets offenders with a clear history of violent behavior. Senate Bill 1109, introduced by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), would implement the VO-4 (Violent Offense-Fourth Felony) sentencing reform by strengthening Michigan's Habitualization Law (MCL 769.12). VO-4 is endorsed by: Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan (PAAM), Michigan Sheriffs Association, Police Officers Association of Michigan, and Michigan Fraternal Order of Police, among others. Copyright © 2012 State of Michigan Published: Thu, Jun 14, 2012