NewsChannel 34: New law could issue “get out of jail free cards” to 1,500 drug felons

http://www.newschannel34.com/content/developingnews/story/New-law-could-issue-get-out-of-jail-free-cards-to/w-2OF5XRaUSXXSLVJ3rOLQ.cspx

NEW LAW COULD ISSUE “GET OUT OF JAIL FREE CARDS”
TO 1,500 DRUG FELONS
Assemblywoman Lupardo voted in favor of allowing drug dealers who sold to children
to apply for re-sentencing and possibly freed from state prison starting in October

Starting this month, about 1,500 convicted drug criminals including drug dealers who sold to children could apply for re-sentencing and possibly sprung from state prisons thanks to a little publicized provision in the newly enacted Rockefeller Drug Law reforms.

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-126th A. D.) voted in favor of this measure as part of state budget bill A.156-B, which allows almost all convicted class B felony controlled substance offenders, including drug dealers, to apply for re-sentencing before a court.

Among those who could potentially see their sentences reduced or even be freed are criminals who sold drugs to children or sold drugs on school grounds. Other drug dealers that may be released committed crimes such as operating meth labs. According to the Drug Policy Alliance, up to 1,500 inmates will be eligible for re-sentencing.

“Assemblywoman Lupardo voted in favor of allowing drug dealers who prey on children to potentially receive ‘get out of jail free’ cards and end up back on the street. These drug dealers did the crime — they should do the time,” said Kathleen Hennessey, Spokeswoman for the New York Republican Assembly Campaign Committee (RACC).