People who are arrested for and charged with felony drug crimes in Nebraska will understandably need and want to know about the potential consequences they may face if they are ultimately convicted. For some crimes, the state's laws outline specific minimum or even maximum jail sentences. A bill was put forth in the state legislature that seeks to change some sentences for select drug crimes.
If approved, the bill would find the sentences for some felony drug crimes to be left totally to the discretion of the judges involved in the cases. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach to sentences, it would allow judges to evaluate the facts in each case and hand out sentences that match those facts more appropriately. This, however, is not what some prosecutors thought as the state County Attorneys Association and state Attorney General are said to be against the change.
Supporting the elimination of mandatory minimum jail sentences for some drug offenses is a group called Families Against Mandatory Minimums and also the Nebraska Criminal Defense Attorneys. Reports indicate that a total of three approvals would be needed to pass the bill.
When facing a felony drug charge in Nebraska, people might want to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney for information. This may give them the chance to learn about their defense options and understand what penalties may result with regard to different types of charges.
Source: NetNebraska.org, "Drug Crime Mandatory Minimums Would Be Abolished; Stinner Proposes Reducing Budget Reserve," Fred Knapp, March 8, 2017