President Obama commutes 8 sentences and grants 12 pardons

WASHINGTON, Dec. 17 (UPI) -- President Obama commuted the sentences of eight drug offenders Wednesday and pardoned 12 federal offenders.

The drug offenders had received sentences ranging from 188 months or almost 16 years to life. They will now be released in 2015.

The White House announced the president's action in a news release. The president traditionally marks the Christmas season with acts of clemency.

The Obama administration has pushed for lower sentences for non-violent drug offenders. In 2010 he signed the Fair Sentencing Act, which reduces the long terms given for offenses involving crack cocaine.

Several of the 12 people granted pardons were drug offenders. Others were convicted of crimes that included filing a false tax return, wire fraud and violating the Archaeological Resources and Protection Act.

Most had received either short prison terms or probation. But as people convicted of federal crimes they could be unable to get teacher's licenses or other permits or to own guns legally.