MONROE, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) — In Georgia, roughly one in four people leaving the justice system end up right back inside it, and taxpayers pay the price to keep them there.

In Walton County, Judge Mike Burke knows how quickly small mistakes can spiral into bigger consequences.

“Everything is a gateway. … I’m going to see them more, and it gets more serious … until it’s either prison or they’re dead,” Burke said.

Former Columbia County resident sought in Fla. DUI death

Jacksonville Beach police issued an arrest warrant on Oct. 21 for Robin Nikolas McAlarney, a former Columbia County resident who’s now about 30.

That’s why he starts with civics, not incarceration, as punishment. Living in a community. Being accountable to the people around you.

Georgia’s three-year felony reconviction rate

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