I say if they are doing good while in their sanctuary, then let them postpone the justice they have coming to them...so long as the clergy have no problem with providing the sanctuary. In other words if the clergy believes the individual truly desires to find god and willing to make an honest effort.
I see no reason why the legal system and the churches can’t work together on this, rather than against each other...provided the clergy is legitimate and is not secretly trying to undermine the law. I think it’s a good way for churches to get volunteer work done and to minister to those that are in dire need of it...both at the same time. You think sanctuary is a means for a guilty person to get away with something. I think sanctuary is a means for a church to gain a faithful servant AND try to save his/her soul at the same time.
It's restitution and community service work done on a voluntary basis before even being arrested. It seems to me the criminal system could even use that as evidence against the person in a trial, when it eventually does come to pass.
My wife donates hundreds of hours each year of community service work through her church. It is all done on a voluntary basis, and she do NOT have the threat of arrest hanging over her head. The church is not protecting her from any government agency that wishes to speak with her.
Postponing justice is not how a responsible person handles their obligations to society.