Mandatory

What are Mandatory sentences?Mandatory Minimum Sentencing lawsrequire harsh, automatic prison terms for those convicted of certaincrimes, most often drug offenses.Congress enacted mandatory minimumsin 1986 & toughened them in 1988 to apply to drug conspiricies andcertain gun offenses.Congress enacted mandatory minimums to catchthe "KingPins" and deter drug sales. But these laws undermine theAmerican tradition of Justice by preventing judges from fitting thepunishment to fit the crime and the individuals role in theoffense. Because of Mandatory sentencing laws the population offederal prisons has soared, and they are filled with low-levelnonviolent drug violators~not the "Kingpins"Why should mandatory minimums be changed? because judges no longercontrol sentencing, Prosecutors determine the charge, whether the caseis tried in federal or state courts, whether juveniles are tried asadults or not. The judge cannot lower a mandatory sentence which hemight other wise do so,considering the circumstances of the case ora persons role in the offense~or the likihood they will ever repeatthe crime. Nonviolent drug defendants are receiving mandatorysentences of 10 years or more,without regard for their roles in theoffense.For more information go to http://www.famm. org (Families againstMandatory Minimums) Email Andrea strong @Famm.org or phone (859-586-6863)For an action kit to be mailed to you. Find out how to help stopMandatory minimum sentencing in California.