According to the authorities; only 35% of the criminals go to jail
The statement that "only 35% of the criminals go to jail" is a generalization and its accuracy can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction, the types of crimes in question, and the policies of the criminal justice system in place. It is not possible to confirm the accuracy of this statement without specific context, such as the country or region, the timeframe, and the source of the statistic.
In many criminal justice systems around the world, not all individuals who are charged with crimes are ultimately incarcerated. There are several reasons for this:
1. Plea bargaining: Some accused individuals may enter into a plea bargain with prosecutors, where they plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence, which might include probation, fines, or community service instead of jail time.
2. Diversion programs: First-time offenders, particularly those who commit minor or non-violent crimes, may be eligible for diversion programs that focus on rehabilitation rather than incarceration.
3. Acquittals: Some individuals who are charged with crimes are acquitted after a trial, meaning they are found not guilty and are not sentenced to jail.
4. Alternative sentencing: Judges may impose alternative sentences such as house arrest, community service, or mandatory rehabilitation programs, especially for non-violent offenses.
5. Capacity issues: Some jurisdictions may face issues with overcrowding in jails and prisons, which can lead to a preference for non-custodial sentences for certain categories of crime.
6. Sentencing guidelines: The judicial system in a particular area may have guidelines that recommend non-incarceration sentences for specific types of offenses or for offenders who pose a low risk to society.
It's also worth noting that the statement might refer to the conviction rate among individuals who are criminally charged, or it could refer to the portion of individuals who commit crimes and are successfully apprehended and prosecuted. Both interpretations would result in different understandings and statistics.
For an accurate assessment about criminal incarceration rates, one would have to refer to detailed criminology and criminal justice reports and studies that take into account the complexity of the legal system and various factors affecting prosecutions and sentencing.