The 80-20 rule - 80 per cent of anything is caused by 20 per cent of the people. It's very nice this poor lady trying to get her life turned around should not spend time in jail (where she might possibly get training, education and habilitation) but at the end of the day, when she is on the street she is usually part of crime.  Not locking up bad people because you feel sorry for them is not an answer.