Before the Fair Sentencing Act: Mandatory Minimum Sentence for Simple Possession of Crack Cocaine
Mandatory Minimum Sentence for Simple Possession of Crack Cocaine
Before the Fair Sentencing Act, a first-time offender who was convicted of simple possession of crack cocaine faced a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.
Simple possession of illegal drugs is an offense under federal and many states. This offense occurs "when someone carries or makes available a small quantity of an illegal substance for consumption or use, but with no intention of selling or transferring it to another person."
Simple drug possession is a misdemeanor under federal law that offenders may be sentenced to up to one year in prison, a fine of at least $1,000, or both. However, if an offender is convicted of ordinary possession after a previous drug offense has been established, the offender may be charged with a felony ordinary possession offense.
What was the mandatory minimum sentence for a first-time offender convicted of simple possession of crack cocaine before the Fair Sentencing Act? Before the Fair Sentencing Act, a first-time offender who was convicted of simple possession of crack cocaine faced a mandatory minimum sentence of five years.