I have a friend who has served 15 years of a life sentence with no parole for a drug conviction. It was his first and only charge. Now days people get out of prison sooner for killing someone than for selling drugs. I am not saying he didn't deserve punishment, but I think his sentence is unfair and excessive. He was young and stupid then, thought he was untouchable... and now 15 years later, I think he's more than paid his debt to society.
Who do I write that can help him? Who can I write that would possibly take a look at his case? The attorney general, the governor? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
2007-10-08 07:22:57 · 7 answers · asked by Kel 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
That my dear is what we call a lost cause. If he got a life sentence for his first offense of dealing, it was probably a HUGE bust. Were not talking selling a dime bag to a cop here.
He was tried under the laws in effect at the time and got life. The laws have not gotten softer on drug crime, they have gotten harder. You will not find anyone that will be able to do anything with his sentence 15 years after it was imposed. The time to challenge that would have been by following the appeals process 15 years ago.
I am sorry your friend has done something that removed him from your life. However you should remember it was his illegal actions that caused this in the first place.
2007-10-08 07:31:32 · answer #1 · answered by davidmi711 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
That would depend on how old he was back then, what he sold, how much cash he made, and how long he was doing it. The general consensus of the great unwashed masses is to execute drug dealers on the spot and save jail space - so there will be an extreme outcry against releasing a drug dealer back into public life again, and to keep him in prison for life.
Has he ever made any type of reparations, or changed himself at all in prison? If so, then he may have a chance. Otherwise it just wont fly.
2007-10-08 14:31:07 · answer #2 · answered by MrKnowItAll 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry for your friend . OJ proved the judicial system is blind to all race or color unless it comes to the color of money . Your friend got caught up in the buddy system . His lawyer was not powerful enough or your friend was a broke working stiff . The prosecutors will hang a guy to further their own careers . Lawyers will barter for a more prominent defendant . Youth is no excuse for crime . The sentence is harsh . I do agree . legislators often never see the impact of their votes . On taxpayers as well as law breakers . A Governor could hear his case and possibly get him clemency but hold on to your wallet it will hurt . I all depends on your state !
2007-10-08 15:15:07 · answer #3 · answered by J D 4 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Of course you did not give details...
To get that kind of sentence, he had to be doing some heavy trafficking... and if he did heavy trafficking, he should be locked up and have the key thrown away.... first charge or not, that should not mater
2007-10-08 14:31:10 · answer #4 · answered by DiamondDave 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
a life sentence is 25yrs min. must have been convicted as..what used to be called commerical sales...or sales for profit only...not being a drug user, not being aware of this, thinking he was bullet proof...got hammered at sentencing......gotta wait 10 more yrs, then try........
2007-10-08 14:49:48 · answer #5 · answered by ABCDEF U 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Dosen't sound like he had a very good Lawyer!! That's ridiculous!!! You should contact the President and then maybe look into getting a good lawyer!! That is is totally ridiculous for drugs on a first time offence. Something went wrong there, best to look into it. He should have had Bail?
2007-10-08 14:29:17 · answer #6 · answered by 24Special 5 · 0⤊ 6⤋
ooooooooo, sex with a hardened criminal.....that's hot
2007-10-08 19:28:53 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋