Roopali Desai Sheds Light on Arizona’s Second Chance Act in Local Media

Arizona has the fourth-highest prison population in the United States, but the new Second Chances, Rehabilitation and Public Safety Act could change that. Coppersmith Brockelman’s Roopali Desai, who serves as legal counsel for the initiative and helped to craft the measure, was featured on KJZZ and in articles for the Arizona Republic and Daily Independent sharing insights on the legislation. The Second Chances Act is an opportunity for non-dangerous offenders to shorten their prison sentences through “earned release credits,” based on good behavior and participation in rehabilitation programs. It would also give judges discretion in sentencing non-dangerous offenders in the interest of justice based on the facts and circumstances of the case, including victims’ statements. Finally, it establishes a fund for first responders and victims of violent crimes. According to Roopali,...