Pima defender right on reform of harsh drug laws

Unless we act, AZ will spend $2-3B more on prisons by 2017.

TUCSON -- I generally agree with a recent op-ed from Pima County Public Defender Robert Hirsh, recommending the Arizona legislature take a hard look at the wisdom and costs of mandating jail time for low-level drug offenders.

There are better, smarter alternatives than incarceration for non-violent offenses. This area of the law needs reform, for fiscal and common sense.