AIKEN, S.C. - The city of Aiken wants tougher penalties for violent criminals. City council members unanimously voted to support a proposed bill that would change South Carolina's criminal justice system.

One ex-convict says stiffer penalties may not be the answer.

“Mother took my .22 pistol, took it to her heart and killed herself. It literally rocked my world,” Timothy Terry said.

Terry says that sent him down a path leading to a life of crime.

“I am an ex-offender, spent 15 years in jail, 30-year voluntary manslaughter charge,” Terry said.

Now Terry helps other ex-cons get their lives together through his faith based ministry, Aiken Community Outreach Ministry. He operates several transitional homes throughout South Carolina.

“It's understanding what caused the individual to do the crime; legislation may think its one way by being tough on crime. I beg to differ,” Terry said.

This week the city of Aiken voted unanimously to support a piece of legislation that will stiffen penalties for violent criminals in South Carolina--in some cases increase prison time. Council members and several city leaders say it will help shore up gaps in state laws.

But Terry wants more focus on rehabilitation.

“I did do the crime and I don't mind doing the time but to say that's going to stop people. That's not the answer,” Terry said.

Terry is going to legislators with his own cause. He wants to start faith based prisons that he says will promote character rehabilitation. Terry wants to start with converting one prison dorm in McCormick which is where he served 13 years of his sentence. One already exists in Jacksonville, Fla.

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