For a long time, the state of New Jersey was known for some of the most severe and ineffective criminal sentencing legislation in the country. The state's statistics regarding incarceration were a constant blemish on New Jersey's reputation.
Additionally, these laws were a source of very high costs for the state when measured by taxpayer dollars. Recently, work by the Drug Policy Alliance, has begun to take effect in New Jersey.
Repealing New Jersey’s significant mandatory minimums for nonviolent drug offenses must be a top priority. We have witnessed the impact of these sentences on families and communities. We have also seen the wasted taxpayer dollars.
New Jersey supporters of drug policy reform were finally rewarded for their hard work this year when the legislature passed and the governor signed a new law, which properly restored judicial discretion to waive mandatory minimums in some nonviolent drug violation situations.
This law was a significant step for the movement toward fairer and more effective criminal sentencing. The Drug Policy Alliance of New Jersey is a powerful force for criminal sentencing reform. Their work to shift resources into New Jersey’s families and communities is making a positive difference.
