For Immediate Release
Date: May 4, 2007
Contact: Monica Pratt Raffanel, monica@famm.org
FAMM applauds forward-thinking approach on drug courts, drug-free zones
TRENTON, N.J.: Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) applauds the smart and cost-effective approach to drug-free zones and expanded access to drug courts recommended by the New Jersey Commission to Review Criminal Sentencing in two reports released today. The Commission calls on the State Legislature to narrow the boundaries of drug-free zones from 1,000 feet to 200 feet and provide access to drug court to more individuals by allowing judges to better tailor treatment to individual needs. This will save money and enhance public safety by reducing recidivism.
The following may be attributed to Joseph Greer, director of FAMM's campaign in New Jersey:
"FAMM supports the recommendations, which could save the state millions in corrections costs and reduce the human and fiscal waste of mandatory minimum drug sentences. Drug-free zone laws require a three-year mandatory minimum sentence for those convicted of distributing or possessing with intent to sell drugs within 1,000 feet of school property. Yet studies show that fewer than two percent of zone offenses involved minors or school property and that the law has been completely ineffective in protecting children.
"Many additional nonviolent individuals, whose substance abuse is the primary contributing factor in the offense, are caught in the net of mandatory sentencing laws but could be held accountable for their actions through cost-effective and rigorous treatment and rehabilitation programs offered by drug courts. The report reveals that drug courts reduce recidivism far more effectively than long prison terms.
"New Jersey holds the shameful record of the highest percentage of a state prison population incarcerated for a drug offense - 35 percent - largely because of its drug-free zone law. Because drug-free zones blanket urban areas, people of color are hit hardest. Over 96 percent of all people imprisoned with school-zone violations were African-American or Latino."
Families Against Mandatory Minimums (FAMM) is a national, nonpartisan nonprofit organization that advocates for fair and proportionate sentences and supports efforts to provide judges with sentencing alternatives, such as treatment and drug courts, in appropriate cases. For information, visit www.famm.org or contact Monica Pratt Raffanel monica@famm.org.
##