Rockefeller Drug Laws

The Rockefeller Drug Laws have been in place in New York since May of 1973. Under these laws a first time offender convicted of selling 2 ounces or possessing 4 ounces of a narcotic substance automatically receives a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years to life with no chance for parole, regardless of the case's circumstances or a judge's discretion. These laws, designed to reduce drug sales and use, have not only failed to fulfill this purpose, but have also served to fill prisons, target people of color, and cost the state billions of dollars. ICJP is committed to working to repeal the racist Rockefeller drug laws and to seeking alternatives to prison for first time drug offenders.

For further information:
• The Correctional Association of New York: www.corrassoc.org/policy_fact.html
•The Lindesmith Center: www.lindesmith.org/rockefeller
• Media Awareness Project: www.mapinc.org
• New York State Defenders Association: www.nysda.org/Hot_Topics/Rockefeller_drug_laws.html
• New York State Catholic Conference (NY Bishops' statement on criminal justice, including the Rockefeller Drug Laws): www.nyscatholicconference.org