The hold up on repeal of the harsh Rockefeller Drug Law is the end of mandatory sentencing for second time non-violent violators. The editorial board of New York Times has taken the stand that the end of mandatory sentencing for non-violent offenders is necessary to restore judicial discretion to drug cases. The holdouts are well to familiar to us in the reform community.
Mr. Paterson and his allies in law enforcement believe that would send the wrong message to the communities where drug crimes are committed and to the police officers who have worked hard to make these cases. They also fear that without mandatory sentences, some offenders might ignore treatment sanctions.
The Times editorial board thinks the Assembly Bill adequately addresses this issue.
The Assembly bill provides for judicial discretion for a well-defined group of second-timers while preserving lengthy, mandatory sentences for second-timers with either histories of violence or records of having committed sex crimes or sold drugs to children. The provision protects the public safety by making sure that dangerous offenders go to jail.
If you live in New York, contact your state chapter of NORML and help make your voice for reform heard.
