New Indiana law allows judges to decide where low-level offenders will be jailed

New Law takes effect July 1st

A new Indiana state law will soon give judges the choice on where low-level offenders can go to serve time and receive treatment.

The law is also designed to reduce overcrowding in county jails.

It is for level six felons which are typically minor thefts, assault and drug crimes.

A state representative from northern Indiana co-authored the law, saying it will also make it safer for everyone inside.

"If we could reduce that population in our local jails, it makes it safe for law-enforcement, and it makes it safer for inmates that are in there also," said state representative Jim Pressel. "And they do get better services because there's fewer people and you get more attention out of it."

This law will only affect those who commit a crime after July 1.