Drug Possession
Sentences of Crack Inmates Cut
Contact a Drug Possession Lawyer
March 6th, 2008
"Non-Violent Prisoners are Getting Released"
The federal government announced yesterday that they have recently received hundreds of court orders reducing the sentences for crack cocaine offenders.
More prisoners are having their sentences reduced since the new sentencing guidelines were implemented.
Debate Over New Guidelines
According to reports, since the new guidelines have been set into place, the Federal Bureau of Prisons has processed 400 orders to modify prison terms throughout the country.
Although some activists believe the guidelines are having a positive impact, the Bush administration still maintains that they could result in the release of violent criminals.
The U.S. Sentencing Commission says that in the upcoming year, more than 3,000 crack offenders are reportedly eligible for release.
Prisoner Gets Released
One prisoner who has benefited from the new guidelines is 48-year-old Natasha J. Marshall who was recently released 11 years after she was given her 15 year sentence.
“I could hug my friend, and she didn’t have to go one way, and I didn’t have to go another. I could go with her,” explains Marshall.
Marshall was arrested with her husband, Archie, who was a drug dealer, in 1996 and was allegedly convicted even though she never touched the drugs or benefited from his profits.
Nonviolent Prisoners Gets Reduced Sentences
The Sentencing Commission claims that most of the convicts who are eligible for release were small time offenders, like Marshall, who were obviously nonviolent citizens.
A 2005 analysis reported that 90 percent of crack offenders are nonviolent.
(Source: Washington Post)
Are you currently facing drug possession charges? If so, please contact us to speak with an experienced attorney who will give you the legal guidance you need and deserve.
