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Local perspective on the impact of new reduced crack sentences

By Douglas A. Berman

This local story from Indiana, which is headlined "Crack, powder cocaine nearer equal footing," provides an interesting local view on some of the consequences of the new federal sentencing laws for crack offenses. Here are excerpts: Two months after Congress voted in favor of lowering federal sentencing guidelines again for people convicted for crack cocaine, local defendants are already seeing changes. More changes could come, though, as local officials continue to advocate for more balance between people convicted of crack cocaine possession versus powder cocaine possession. "I think the criminal defense community is just grateful this change has occurred," Jerry Flynn, an attorney with the local Federal Community Defenders, said.... The most recent federal legislation calls for [all crack/powder sentences] to be brought down to a ratio of 18:1...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on September 20, 2010 (boomark / email).