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Family member urges commission to prioritize harms to people over property in sentencing
Summary
A public commenter whose family was affected by a recent homicide told the commission she believes sentencing treats property offenses more harshly than crimes that injure or kill people and urged re-examination of guideline priorities.
At public comment near the end of the May 7 meeting, Katie McCormack (self-identified) told the Sentencing Guidelines Commission her advocacy has focused on victims of violent crime and urged the commission to reconsider perceived inconsistencies that she said prioritize property over people.
"It seems to be that Minnesota has property over people," McCormack said, describing research and case examples she has submitted to staff and noting a recent homicide (she referenced the victim by name in her remarks). She said that, in her view, some property offenses carry higher sentences or statutory maxima than offenses that cause serious bodily harm or death.
Commission staff responded that the commission recently reviewed criminal vehicular homicide and criminal vehicular operation during the last amendment cycle and that those changes are in the legislative review pipeline; staff asked members to note that some recent changes are already pending with the legislature.
The commission accepted McCormack's materials into the record and encouraged continued public engagement; staff confirmed the submitted documents are included in the meeting packet.
