Sheen to lead fight against rehab measure

Proposition 5 would allocate $610 million in state funds through mid-2010 and increase funding gradually thereafter, to expand treatment opportunities, change the way offenders are diverted into programs and establish a juvenile treatment program. The costs could rise to $1 billion annually, according to an analysis by the state Legislative Analyst's Office, which said the measure could also save an equal amount by reducing the prison and parole populations.

The initiative would allow prison inmates to earn more time off their sentences for participating in rehabilitation. It would shorten parole terms for some nonviolent offenders but lengthen them for some violent offenders. It would reduce penalties for possession of a small amount of marijuana.

Although proponents say the measure also would improve accountability of offenders, foes -- including Los Angeles County's Dist. Atty. Steve Cooley, Sheriff Lee Baca and the Board of Supervisors -- say it would do the opposite.

Stephen Manley, a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge who supervises offenders in drug court, knows Martin Sheen, who he said has been a big supporter of the drug court movement.

Manley said the initiative allows offenders too many second chances without consequences.

Sheen, he said, understands that "the earlier you intervene and coerce change, the more likely you are to have the offender successfully complete treatment."

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michael.rothfeld@latimes.com