Change in law will free some crack inmates

WASHINGTON, July 1 (UPI) -- A decision by the U.S. Sentencing Commission would let 12,000 prisoners serving time for crack cocaine out of prison up the 37 months sooner, officials said.

The commission Thursday voted to amend federal sentencing guidelines in the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 to make federal sentencing of inmates convicted on crack cocaine charges fall in line with that of inmates sentenced for regular cocaine violations.

Most of those in prison for crack cocaine offenses are black while those imprisoned for regular cocaine offenses are mostly white. Crack cocaine is sold more cheaply than regular coke.

"Today's action by the commission ensures that the longstanding injustice recognized by Congress is remedied, and that federal crack cocaine offenders who meet certain criteria established by the commission and considered by the courts may have their sentences reduced to a level consistent with the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010," Commission Judge Patti B. Saris said in a statement.

The Bureau of Prisons estimates the new sentencing guidelines could save as much as $200 million over five years.

Saris said the intent isn't to open the doors for dangerous criminals and that every case would be examined closely before prospective inmates are freed.

She said the average sentence for a federal crack cocaine offender will remain significant at about 10 years. The new guidelines go into effect in November.