CA Senate Rejects Effort to Reduce Drug Crime Sentences

FRESNO, Calif. (KMJ) — As it stands in California, a person convicted for the sale, possession for sale, distribution, or transportation of cocaine, heroin, PCP, or meth, gets an additional 3 years on their sentence, for each previous conviction on those charges.

Legislation introduced by Los Angeles Democrat Holly Mitchell, seeks to repeal those sentencing enhancements, which opponents believe have unfairly targeted African Americans and Hispanics.

However, opponents say it would embolden drug dealers, by treating traffickers like first offenders.

The bill has fallen short in the Senate, although it’s been granted reconsideration.

Mitchell says sentencing enhancements for volume and weight, would still allow for harsher penalties against large-scale drug traffickers.