From United States Sentencing Committee:
A new study from the U.S. Sentencing Commission shows that early prison release for people convicted of dealing drugs—specifically crack cocaine—had little impact on the likelihood they would commit new crimes. It found “found ” The study aimed to examine the impact of retroactive sentence reductions on recidivism rates, so staff compared the recidivism rate for a group of crack cocaine offenders whose sentences were reduced pursuant to the 2011 Fair Sentencing Act Guideline Amendment, and compared it to the recidivism rate for a comparison group of offenders who would have been eligible to seek a reduced sentence under the 2011 law, but had served their full prison terms by the time it was applicable. Over a three-year period following their release, the groups had “virtually identical” recidivism rates, approximately 37.9 percent. Violating terms of supervision was often the most serious recidivist event reported for about one-third of people who recidivated in both groups. The Fair Sentencing Act reduced the criteria for mandatory minimum sentencing on crack cocaine offenses, and retroactively applied the new guidelines, in a move that was lauded for reducing the severe racial disparities between crack and powder cocaine offenses.
Read Recidivism Among Federal Offenders Receiving Retroactive Sentences: the 2011 Fair Sentencing Act Guideline Amendment here.
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