Heterogeneous Impacts of Sentencing Decisions

We examine 70,581 felony court cases filed in Chicago, IL during the period 1990-2007. exploit case randomization to assess impact of judge assignment and sentencing decisions on arrival rates new charges. Relative prior research, we document an important source heterogeneity incarceration recidivism. Incarceration creates lasting reductions recidivism among first offenders but not repeat offenders. present suggestive evidence that these primarily reflect outcomes for who live lower-crime areas city are involved drug trade. During our sample period, Illinois parole officers were able issue arrest warrants former inmates under their supervision. These powers place at significant risk returning prison as punishment violations technical conditions However, find no police increased rate charges against formerly incarcerated does reduce criminal offenders, this outcome is result over-policing