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Stroleny Law Applauds Florida Bill That Departs From Outdated Minimum Mandatory Sentences for Low-Level, Non-Violent Drug Offenses

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Julian Stroleny, Attorney at Law

We urge lawmakers to continue to push for critical legislation that will help ensure fair sentences that take into account extenuating circumstances when it comes to low-level, non-violent drug related offenses.


MIAMI (PRWEB)

Award-winning Miami criminal law firm, Stroleny Law, P.A., today applauded new state legislation that would depart from minimum mandatory sentences for a variety of low-level, non-violent drug offenses. The firm emphasized that these one-size-fits-all sentences disproportionately impact people of color and do not lead to a reduction in crime.

Minimum mandatory sentencing laws are controversial because they set minimum prison terms for certain crimes that cannot be lowered by judges regardless of the circumstances. Drug offenses make up the vast majority of these sentences intended for drug possession over a certain amount.

First adopted in the 1970s, these sentences were put in place to prevent crime, but a growing body of evidence shows they are ineffective. In addition, experts contend that low-level, non-violent drug related offenders are rarely ever arrested again after they have been released from prison.

Sponsored by Republican Senator Jeff Brandes in St. Petersburg, the legislation (SB 468) would allow judges to depart from minimum mandatory sentences in select non-violent drug trafficking cases only if the defendant did not: engage in an ongoing criminal enterprise; threaten violence or use a weapon; or engage in actions that resulted in serious bodily harm or death.

“The Florida State Legislature should be commended for their tireless work in helping end outdated minimum mandatory sentences that have, in particular, unfairly impacted minorities for decades,” said Julian Stroleny, Principal at Stroleny Law, P.A.

Stroleny added: “We urge lawmakers to continue to push for critical legislation that will help ensure fair sentences that take into account extenuating circumstances when it comes to low-level, non-violent drug related offenses.”

The bill recently received almost unanimous support from the Senate Judiciary Committee that voted 5-1 in favor of the measure. The legislation must now meet two additional committee requirements before it reaches the Florida Senate floor.

According to findings from Community Resources for Justice, Florida houses roughly 100,000 prisoners, the third-largest prison population in the nation, at an annual state cost of approximately $2.3 billion.

About Stroleny Law:

Stroleny Law, P.A. is an award-winning Miami criminal law firm that promises a former state prosecutor will handle every client case. Led by renowned criminal defense attorney and trusted advisor Julian Stroleny, the firm has overseen thousands of cases and works tirelessly to ensure the best possible results for clients. Stroleny Law understands potential clients may need a criminal defense attorney who is available after hours and offers free consultations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This personalized service does not end at the consultation – Stroleny Law takes pride in its well-earned reputation for providing clients with an experience-oriented approach to all of its legal services. To learn more, please visit http://www.strolenylaw.com.

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