Chris Wright Act to target repeat criminal offenders

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- A new state act that goes into law Monday will target repeat criminal offenders.

The Chris Wright Act, sponsored by Hamilton County legislators Representative Patsy Hazelwood and Senator Bo Watson, makes the sixth or later misdemeanor for a defendant a Class E Felony upon conviction. 

This would also apply to the third or later conviction on misdemeanor domestic assault.

The bill is named for the former Baylor alum and Chattanooga businessman who was shot and killed last September in front of Patten Towers.

Darryl Roberts has been indicted on first degree murder in that case, and legislators say it disturbed them that he was free despite being charged and convicted dozens of times over the past three decades on over 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 are continually offending, continually making our streets unsafe.”

Examples of misdemeanor crimes targeted in this bill include shoplifting, simple assault, and simple possession of drugs, excluding marijuana, among 30 other crimes.