New Jersey Keeps Tight Grip on Strict Drug Sentences

While other states in the U.S. are loosening their harsh drug penalties, some legislators in New Jersey are determined to keep the state’s strict sentencing laws in place, the Newark Star-Ledger reported May 31.

Efforts to amend New Jersey’s “drug-free school zone” laws, for example, have stalled within the last year. Some legislators hoped to change the 1987 law to only impose a mandatory prison sentence of three years on those convicted of drug possession within 200 feet of a school, not the current 1,000 feet.

However, legislation to give judges more freedom in sentencing drug offenders caught in school zones has not gone forward because Senate leader Richard Codey (D-Essex) is refusing to bring the bill to a vote.

“What’s the impression you’re sending our young ones?” Codey said. Other legislators say they are concerned about the state’s reputation. “I am concerned that it does have the appearance of being soft on crime,” said Sen. Paul Sarlo (D-Bergen), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Those in favor of relaxing the laws feel the strict sentences have over-filled prisons and unfairly target minority populations. Roughly 20 percent of the prison inmates in New Jersey are serving a mandatory sentence for a drug offense.

Louisiana, Michigan and New York have passed legislation relaxing similar laws.