PRESS ADVISORY	PRESS ADVISORY
Wednesday, December 17, 1997

ATTORNEY GENERAL THURBERT BAKER SUPPORTS END TO PAROLE

Georgia Attorney General Thurbert E. Baker announced today his support for proposed legislation that would effectively eliminate parole for individuals convicted of crimes after July 1, 1999. If passed, the bill would require those convicted of certain crimes to serve the full sentence imposed on them by trial judges, thus eliminating the possibility of early release.

While recognizing the additional costs associated with requiring inmates to serve their full sentences, Baker noted "that cost has to be balanced against the need to protect Georgia's citizens from criminal behavior."

"My personal belief is that most law abiding citizens think that if you do the crime, you ought to do the time - 100% of it."