Chris Wright Act aims to target repeat offenders

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – A new state law that takes effect Monday targets repeat offenders.

The Chris Wright Act, sponsored by Rep. Patsy Hazelwood and Sen. Bo Watson of Hamilton County, makes a defendant’s sixth or subsequent offense a Class E felony upon conviction.

This also applies to a third or subsequent conviction for domestic violence.

The bill is named after the former Baylor graduate and Chattanooga businessman who was shot and killed outside Patten Towers last September.

Darryl Roberts was charged with first-degree murder in the case, and lawmakers said they were troubled that he was at large despite being charged and convicted dozens of times over the past thirty years for more than 60 crimes.

Senator Watson said: “Our message today should be clear. Habitual criminals will no longer be tolerated in our communities.”

Representative Hazelwood said, “It allows General Wamp, the Sheriff and all of our law enforcement and officers across the state to deal with those criminals who continue to commit crimes and keep making our streets unsafe.”

Examples of offenses covered by this bill include shoplifting, simple assault, and simple drug possession (excluding marijuana), as well as 30 other crimes.