The federal government is currently reviewing the way it applies life sentences to certain convicted drug offenders. For example, numerous individuals are serving a lifetime prison sentence after only being convicted of non-violent federal drug crimes. If reforms are made, some of these individuals could be set free before the completion of their prison terms.
One Florida man is 20 years into a double lifetime federal prison sentence. He was convicted of selling LSD and sending it by mail. He was 23 years of age when he was arrested and, without the chance of parole, he did not have any chance for freedom. This 45-year-old man received the same sentence as convicted kidnapper and rapist Ariel Castro.
According to this man, most individuals do not understand what it means to be in prison. He says that anyone who has spent at least 10 days behind bars understands the difficult life that it means. Now, the current presidential administration is try to resolve overcrowding in federal prisons by letting qualifying non-violent drug crime offenders out early. The president is trying to identify suitable candidates with clean prison records, who can safely be reintroduced back into society.
This is an important development, because it means that some individuals who were convicted of federal drug crimes and given lifetime sentences may be eligible for release. Incarcerated individuals from Florida can determine if they will qualify for inclusion in this program by reviewing their prison behavior records, the nature of their conviction and other details relating to their sentence. If successful, this could mean a new life for numerous prisoners who previously had no hope of freedom.
Source: inquisitr.com, “Man Gets Same Prison Sentence As Rapist And Kidnapper Ariel Castro For LSD Drug Charge” No author given, Apr. 28, 2014
Andrew Moses
Andrew has been practicing criminal law his entire career. After graduating from law school he began working as an Assistant State Attorney prosecuting cases in Orange and Osceola Counties. During his time as an Assistant State Attorney, Andrew handled all types of cases ranging from misdemeanors to such serious felonies as drug trafficking and armed robbery. His experience as a prosecutor helped him gain perspective of the criminal justice system and how the government established its cases.
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