NASHVILLE (AP) - The Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers says a task force that will recommend sentencing changes has not reached out to them for input.
In a letter to the Governor's Task Force on Sentencing and Recidivism, Nashville defense attorney David Raybin says the lawyers' association believes the task force is considering recommendations that will result in longer sentences and greater costs to taxpayers.
He also says the task force is considering a panel to provide ongoing sentencing recommendations that falls short of what is actually needed. Raybin says Tennessee needs a full-time sentencing commission to make recommendations to lawmakers about new sentencing proposals.
A spokeswoman for Gov. Bill Haslam says the task force is still doing its work and will make recommendations to the governor in the fall.