DeKALB – A new law signed by Gov. Pat Quinn could bring some much needed relief to overcrowded state prisons, with county jails providing essential services to expedite the process.

Nonviolent offenders could get in and out of the prison system much quicker with more opportunities for “sentence credit” available, including at county jails, where prisoners can wait for months before sentencing.

Completing programs such as GED classes, adult education courses, substance abuse rehabilitation and behavior modification sessions in county jails could shave months off a sentence before inmates get to state prison.