Crack Cocaine Sentencing Disparagement

As the drug trade grows in the United States, the criminal justice system must adapt to changing landscapes and environments. From devising laws to address certain legal permits for the possession and use of marijuana to cracking down on amphetamine use among late-night workers, the law has attempted to keep up with the continuing demands that illegal drugs put on the judicial system. In particular, an argument has persisted since the late 1980s to change sentencing guidelines that create a disparagement between crack cocaine possession and powder cocaine possession. Crack cocaine, or more simply known as crack, first appeared in inner-city communities in the mid 1980s, eventually leading to the government to draft legislation to respond to growing drug crises around the country. In 1987, the government created specific sentencing guidelines for crack abusers. According to these sentencing guidelines, 5 grams of crack cocaine carries the same 5-year minimum sentence as 500 grams of regular cocaine. Considering the location of the crack epidemic, which came to popularity in primarily African-American, low-income neighborhoods, many have argued that the government has provided the judiciary with racist standards. On the other hand, powder cocaine was considered similarly problematic among suburban, predominately Caucasian, neighborhoods. The difference between the sentences was seen as a serious blow against city-dwelling minorities, who seemed to be targeted more heavily by these drug laws. Among drug agencies and laws, there is not necessarily an agreement over this double standard for drugs. Crack cocaine, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, is no different from regular cocaine. In some instances, the lack of difference made between these drugs by enforcement officers can be cited as a reason to have congruent punishments. Knowing how the law treats drug abuse is an important part of combating future abuses. Contact a criminal defense lawyer to learn about how drug abuse charges and sentences are fought. If you have been charged with drug possession, the consequences could be particularly dire. Contact the Austin criminal attorneys at the Inglis Law Office today to learn more about your rights and defense options. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_S_Caldwell