Dear John, When I was sentenced to prison over 30 years ago my judge was bound by the mandatory sentencing guidelines. I received four mandatory minimum sentences for drug-related charges with my first felony conviction ever. I was expected to die in prison. Now, the time is ripe for federal mandatory minimum sentencing reforms related to drugs. The disproportionate harm caused by the crack cocaine sentencing disparity on Black Americans has made ending it a priority for The Sentencing Project and me. The EQUAL Act, introduced by Senator Cory Booker, would bring the federal justice system more in line with the vast majority of states that do not punish crack and powder cocaine differently. The House of Representatives has already passed the EQUAL Act with overwhelming bipartisan support. |
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