DO YOU believe in the mandatory minimum sentancing guidelines?

Question

Mandatory minimum sentencing was implemented in 1986, to contol drug tafficking and illegal possesion and sale in the us. I know personally someone who has received 480 months in federal prison for possesion with intent to distri bute. Intent, no less. this person is a non violent very educated individual. he never forced drugs on anyone, and he always gave back to the community, even to charities with his "dirty money". But here in Texas there have been several reports one for example about a father who plead guilty for molesting his daughter for over 10 years, and received a fine and probabtion for 10 years. Some thing is wrong with our judicial system. Think of the abuse that was forced on the little girl- mental, phychlogical, and emotional trauma will consume this once pure child. The list goes on and on.

Answer 1

drug laws are absurd when it comes to sentancing. Why is trafficking 20 years and jsut about everything else no more than ten. It blows my mind too. We have some real geniuses making decisions around here.

Answer 2

First of all you ask a very good question and for that I applaud you.

My perspective is that minimum sentencing is necessary because of all the goofy judges who have neglected their regard for the average citizen and let dangerous people back on the street to do more harm. If judges could act responsibly this would not be an issue.

Now as far as your sob story. I agree that people get caught between the rock and the hard place with over sentencing. But, I for one am tired of people doing the wrong thing, then crying their pity-party on how they are abused. If you do the crime, then get ready to do the time.

As far as your example about the child molester, you are 100% correct! This is another case where there should be mandatory sentencing. It's horrible that stuff like this happens. But, I don't buy this other argument of comparisons of sentencing. Let each issue stand alone. Don't think cause some other jerk gets off that a "good" criminal should get off too. That argument doesn't hold water.

Answer 3

I truly believe that every state should pass "Jessica's Law" and give all convicted child molesters a minimum of 20 and maximum of life, depending on the nature of the assault. As far as the drug trafficking goes, I feel like if you do the crime, you pay the time. You did not get too specific with the charges here, but if he has a checkered past or was being watched and sold to someone underage he probably is getting what he deserves, Sorry I know it is tough to swallow when it is personal. I personally don't have a problem with someone smoking pot in their basement, but I definitely don't want "pushers" on the street making "stuff" available for everyday citizens.

Answer 4

Somebody should do a study to see if it has really reduced drug trafficking. I think that 40 years in prison for someone using drugs may be a little harsh, especially when you see Hollywood stars snort truckloads of cocaine up their nose and get off with community service and rehab. I just wish there were mandatory minimums for rapists and child molesters. Those people who rape and molest children should get a mandatory life sentence, and that should actually mean spending the rest of their life in prison until the day they stop breathing and reach room temperature, as this would actually protect children.

Answer 5

I think minimums should be raised for anyone commiting a crime against a child or hurting another person. The drug minimums are important, too... because the US needs to get a hold on the situation.

Answer 6

We've already got something like 2% of the population in prison, jail or probation/parole. We lock up a greater percentage of our people than any other country in the world... Mandatory minimums really don't serve anyone but politicians who want to show that they are 'tough on crime'...

Answer 7

well i agree there are problems in the system. I believe whenever there is a child involed he needs to be sentenced to prison no martter the reasons. They would forsure pay for the crimes in there. Everone in there knows why and they would take care of it in the. On the other hand I believe that if you selling drugs you need to be in prison as well.

Answer 8

there should be no mandatory minimum sentencing for non violent crimes the punishment should fit the crime. and i have only 2 words for sexual assault on a child. JESSICA'S LAW!