Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Criminal Law Blogs -> Sentencing Law and Policy

Criminal Law

: Sentencing Law and Policy

Important report from NC about (not) implementing new crack guidelines

By Douglas A. Berman

This Charlotte Observer story, headlined "N.C. slow to cut crack sentences," provides a fascinating account of the challenges in implementing the new retroactive crack sentencing guidelines.  Here are snippets from a must-read (with key points for commentary in bold):Federal judges across the country have released hundreds of crack cocaine inmates or reduced their sentences under new guidelines that took effect this month.  But in North Carolina, the courts have shortened sentences for just three people, public defenders say.  At least 14 other inmates prosecuted in the Charlotte region qualify for immediate release but remain incarcerated, according to Claire Rauscher, public defender for Western North Carolina. More prisoners statewide may be in the same situation, according to officials who are examining records to determine who is eligible...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on March 20, 2008 (boomark / email).