N.Y. Lawmakers OK Reform of Some Rockefeller Drug Laws December 9, 2004
News Summary
The New York State Legislature has approved a bill that eases some of the harsh mandatory sentences for drug offenses originally passed during the Rockefeller administration in the early 1970s, the New York Times reported Dec. 7.Under the measure, which Gov. George Pataki said he would sign into law, some low-level drug offenders were who previously could have been sentenced to terms of 15 years to life in prison will now face sentences of no more than 8-20 years in prison. About 400 prisoners serving long mandatory sentences under the old law could be released.
Earlier, Manhattan District Attorney Robert Morgenthau has urged lawmakers to reform the draconian Rockefeller drug laws by allowing judges more flexibility in sentencing and provide more funding for treatment and prevention.
The Associated Press reported Dec. 7 that while the bill just passed by lawmakers deals with Class B felony drug offenders, Morgenthau said Class A-1 drug offenses should get top priority because current sentences "are plainly unjust."
Morgenthau also called on lawmakers to adequately fund drug treatment programs. "I don't want the legislature to just deal with the law-enforcement side," he said, adding that, "over the long term, it saves a lot of money."
"Treatment works," said Rosenthal. "There isn't enough of it."
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