While on patrol, you are summoned to a local department store, where security is holding a suspected shoplifter. Upon your arrival, you contact the security officer, and he tells you that he observed a subject stealing candy bars, and when confronted, the subject admitted to the theft and was detained by store personnel. You place the subject under arrest and transport him to the police station. The individual is tried as a habitual offender, thus making the original misdemeanor charge a felony, subject to imprisonment of up to 20 years. The defendant was convicted and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

Primary Task Response: Within the Discussion Board area, write 400–600 words that respond to the following questions with your thoughts, ideas, and comments. This will be the foundation for future discussions by your classmates. Be substantive and clear, and use examples to reinforce your ideas:

Are habitual offender laws targeting the right people for incarceration? Why or why not?
Should individuals who commit misdemeanors, regardless of their status, be subjected to lengthy prison terms? Why or why not?
In your opinion, what standards should govern whether defendants are prosecuted as habitual offenders? Explain.

3 Pages, APA, 4 References