Does this mean fewer people will be given jail sentences?

From this article titled

State budget cuts could result in fewer inmates at correctional facility”

I mean, what the hell? Either someone deserves jail time, or they don’t. You can’t just throw people in jail, or not throw them in jail, based on a whim….can we?

I mean, say something happens and an otherwise regular guy goes to jail for 6 months. He loses his job. Say he has a wife who is a stay at home mom, and 3 kids. His wife is stuck out there with no income. That could come close to really wrecking your life.

But the following month, for the same crime, you get a slap on the wrist and a fine, and, with any luck, your boss never needs to know.

It just can’t work that way!