About The

New York City Chapter

 

ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS

 

NYC Chapter Joins Alliance to Reform Rockefeller Drug Laws

NASW-NYC has joined Real Reform 2005, an alliance of policy, legal and community groups that was instrumental in 2004 in achieving the first
change in the Rockefeller Drug Laws since the 1970’s. The objective in 2005 is to win other essential reforms.

A highlight of the reform measure, passed into State Law last year, was to reduce the harsh 15 to life sentence to 8 to 20 years for certain non-violent offenders. Several hundred prisoners who have already served the lesser sentence can now apply for release.

Despite the reform, there are two remaining provisions in the law that the alliance is organizing to change. First, with mandatory sentencing still intact, judges lack discretion in sentencing. Real Reform 2005 is seeking to restore sentencing flexibility to judges. The second objective is to allow some non-violent offenders to bypass prison entirely in favor of treatment.

To promote its objectives, Real Reform 2005 will be holding rallies, lobbying policy makers, playing a role in local elections, and using the media to inform and influence public opinion. NASW-NYC members will be informed of how they can get involved as the campaign moves forward.