Background on Michigan mandatory minimum drug law reforms

In 1978, Michigan enacted the harshest mandatory sentences in the nation, including the notorious "650 Lifer Law." This law mandated life in prison without parole for offenders convicted of delivery of over 650 grams of heroin or cocaine. Harsh mandatory sentences were also established for lesser offenses. In 1987 the Michigan legislature adopted another type of mandatory sentencing law (consecutive sentences.) Sentences for drug offenses, unlike most other serious crimes, had to be served consecutively to any term of imprisonment for another felony.

In 1996, FAMM spearheaded a broad coalition of citizens and organizations calling for reform of the "650 Lifer Law." Two years later, Gov. John Engler signed modifications of the law that eliminated life without parole and provided parole eligibility to “650 Lifers.”

In 2002, FAMM spearheaded a campaign that lead to even greater reforms of Michigan's state sentencing laws. A three-bill package, effective March 1, 2003, gave 1,200 prisoners serving long mandatory sentences earlier parole eligibility, repealed mandatory minimums for almost all drug offenses, abolished lifetime probation, and created sentencing guidelines for drug offenses that more closely fit the punishment to the crime and the individual defendant.

In 2004, FAMM joined a coalition that successfully worked to expand access to drug courts.

In 2005, FAMM launched a new legislative campaign to convince lawmakers to finish the successful reforms of Michigan’s harsh mandatory minimum drug sentences that legislators agreed were ineffective and costly.

Download FAMM’s guide to Michigan sentencing reforms

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