Passed in 2010, the Federal Fair Sentencing Act has had a huge impact on how federal drug crime cases are prosecuted and how sentencing is done. Keep reading to learn the basics and then contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 if you are facing federal criminal charges and require help from an experienced federal defense attorney.
Why the Fair Sentencing Act Matters
Before the Federal Fair Sentencing Act was passed, the law treated people in possession of or selling crack cocaine much more harshly compared to those who were in possession of or selling powder cocaine.
This started in the 1980s when crack was first introduced on the streets and the federal government responded by imposing fast, severe laws governing the punishment of those involved in buying, selling, or using crack cocaine. Mandatory minimums began at five years and went up to ten years, with certain charges allow for life in prison for simple possession.
It was often the case that a person charged with holding a small amount of crack cocaine for their own use, but because it was crack cocaine and not powder cocaine, they would face a five or ten year federal sentence – at a minimum.
It all changed in 2010
In 2010, President Obama signed the Fair Sentencing Act that did away with the discrepancy between punishments for crack cocaine versus powder cocaine. They are now created more equally. As a result, the punishments are essentially the same. Mandatory minimums were either reduced or eliminated altogether.
Call the Chambers Law Firm if you are facing federal drug charges
If you’re facing federal drug charges of any kind, you need an attorney who is experienced in federal drug crime cases. Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for help. We will begin with a free legal consultation during which we’ll go over your case and the Federal Fair Sentencing Act to see if it can have a positive income on the outcome of your case.
