RI eliminates mandatory minimum drug sentences
Published: November 19, 2009
PROVIDENCE—A new law eliminating mandatory minimum drug sentences in Rhode Island has taken effect without the governor’s signature.
Similar measures had been vetoed in past years by Gov. Don Carcieri. But supporters say they compromised on this year’s legislation by removing a provision that placed a cap on the maximum sentence a judge could give for drug possession crimes.
The new law, which took effect this month, leaves the sentence to the judge’s discretion.
Under the old law, anyone caught manufacturing, possessing or dealing up to one kilogram of heroin or cocaine, or up to five kilograms of marijuana, could face a minimum 10-year sentence.
Despite that, many drug offenders in Rhode Island actually receive and serve far shorter sentences.
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Reader Reactions
I think drug crimes including gang violence should be made very stiff. In other words, possession of drugs with intent to sell should have a mandatory 10 year sentence for the 1st offense. Drive by shootings such as the one on Camp street which were drug related should carry an even higher sentence like 25 years at least. No more of this 1 year with 1 year suspended business and 1 year probation. Let criminals pay for their crimes. Bring back capitol punishment in RI too, in fact bring it back for the whole country. We need to clean this whole country up.
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