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First Crack Inmates Released as New Guidelines Take Effect

By Jeralyn, Section Crime Policy
Posted on Wed Nov 02, 2011 at 09:24:00 AM EST
Tags: crack cocaine (all tags)
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Antwain Black was the first inmate freed from federal prison yesterday, the day the new retroactive U.S. sentencing guidelines went into effect, implementing the lower penalties for crack cocaine offenses in the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010. (The act reduced the ratio of crack/powder cocaine penalties from 100 to 1 to 18 to 1.)

Hopefully, Mr. Black will be the first of thousands. It is estimated that about 12,000 prisoners will see a reduction of about three years in their sentences. The Courts have been planning for the motions for months. Here's how it will work in the District of Colorado.

Not every inmate sentenced for crack will get a reduction. FAMM has this handy FAQ outlining the requirements.

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    First Crack Inmates Released as New Guidelines Take Effect | 4 comments (4 topical)

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    Better stuff... (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by kdog on Wed Nov 02, 2011 at 10:37:09 AM EST
    hopefully working our way to even better, equality under the law for all forms of coca, and then best...prohibition repeal.

    Long way to go, obviously...

    Mad props to FAMM and all the other activists groups banging their heads against a the dug war brick wall trying to make positive change...at least they got this bone to show for all the hard work and effort.  More free beats more incarcerated every day of the week.

    Good law. And full employment for (none / 0) (#2)
    by oculus on Wed Nov 02, 2011 at 11:20:51 AM EST
    federal public defenders.  

    Parent
    Better law... (none / 0) (#3)
    by kdog on Wed Nov 02, 2011 at 11:26:54 AM EST
    good law would be no such criminal law period, imo...just regulations regarding quality and forbidding sale to minors.  Let freedom ring and de-stimulate the cartels and their cohorts in law enforcement and (selective) prosecution while we're at it.

    Sh*t legalizing, regulating, and taxing coke might be the only way to raise the grifters on Wall St's taxes:)

    Parent

    I suppose you saw the recent news: (none / 0) (#4)
    by oculus on Wed Nov 02, 2011 at 01:36:40 PM EST
    more people OD on prescription pain meds. than any "illegal" drugs.  

    Parent
    First Crack Inmates Released as New Guidelines Take Effect | 4 comments (4 topical)

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