On August 30, 2010, the Fair Sentencing Act (FSA) became effective. The Fair Sentencing Act replaced the 100-to-1 crack to powder cocaine sentencing ratio with an 18-to-1 ratio under 21 U.S.C. § 841. Unfortunately, Congress did not act to have this law applied retroactively, meaning that those convicted and sentenced prior to the enactment of the law have been in legal limbo, having toargue for the common sense, retroactive application of the Fair Sentencing Act.
Category Archives: Latest News
Not Guilt Verdict: The need for proper selection of jury
Any defendant, defense lawyer or a family member who has been involved in the criminal system understands how important it is to have an impartial and objective jury selected for the trial. The recent case of Torrence Hatch aka rapper, Lil’ Boosie who was charged with first degree murder in the State of Louisiana, East Baton Rouge Parish (Case No. 06-10-0603, 06-10-0605, 06-10-0607, 07-11-0383), is a perfect example of how important this aspect of criminal defense is.
A reflection on the successful outcomes we helped achieve during 2011 – The pursuit of Justice is a team effort.
During 2011 NLPA continued obtaining successful outcomes for its clients. While obviously no one can guarantee the successful outcome of every case, we’re very proud of our track record. Here is a spotlight of some of what we were able to accomplish during 2011!
Retroactive Crack-Cocaine Guidelines now Effective!
On November 1, 2011 the U.S. Federal Sentencing Guideline manuals have been released. The new Fair Sentencing Act amendment which was voted on June 30, 2011 to be applied retroactively will be included in the new manuals. This means that those who qualify for the reductions based on the retroactive crack cocaine amendment can pursue relief.
Good time credit: Positive developments in good time increases on the horizon for Federal Inmates
In February, 2011 Attorney General Holder announced that President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 2012) budget proposal that for the first time includes planning that would save the U.S. Taxpayers $41Million as a result of passage of the proposed legislation that would expand the federal Good Time credit.
U.S. Sentencing Commission Votes to apply Crack Guideline amendments retroactively
In February, 2011 Attorney General Holder announced that President Obama’s Fiscal Year 2012 (FY 2012) budget proposal that for the first time includes planning that would save the U.S. Taxpayers $41Million as a result of passage of the proposed legislation that would expand the federal Good Time credit.
2010 Federal Sentencing Guidelines Issued – Federal Court holds new Crack Guidelines apply
On July 27, 2010, the Fair Sentencing Act (FSA) of 2010 was passed by the United States House of Representatives after being passed by the Senate on March 17, and was signed by the President on August 3, 2010. The law went into effect on November 1, 2010.
Federal Court holds that new Crack Guidlines apply to Defendants convicted before Fair Aentencing Act
The United States Sentencing Commission, realizing the unfair nature of the United States Sentencing Guidelines, has recently issued amendments to the Guidelines dealing with crack cocaine offenses. Reflecting the changes made by the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 regarding sentencing fairness.