Minimum Mandatory Sentence Reduction Bill Makes Its Way Through the Florida Senate

A committee of Florida state senators has approved a bill to decrease the states’ prison population by enabling judges to move away from mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses at the low level. Known as SB 346, the bill has already cleared two of its three committee hurdles without receiving one vote of no.

A Florida Senator and former prosecutor told committees that the removal of offenders from state prison would save money and result in a boost to public safety. He cited an audit of the judicial circuits in Florida that found offenders placed under ‘community supervision’ rather than jail tended to be less frequently rearrested.

SB 346 would reduce the penalty for possession of fewer than two grams of most controlled substances to a single year. In most cases, it permits a judge to refrain from mandatory minimum prison sentences and fines for other drug offenses.

This update is published by The Law Offices of Mark Eiglarsh, a F ort Lauderdale criminal defense lawyer. Areas of practice include criminal defense, white collar crimes, drug crimes, fraud, DUI, sex crimes, domestic violence, and more. With over two decades of experience, Mark is committed to obtaining the best possible outcome for his valued clients under difficult circumstances. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please call 954-500-0003 in Broward or 305-674-0003 in Miami.

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