Holder Makes New Move To Shorten Drug Sentences

Attorney General Eric Holder is making a new move to shorten sentences in federal drug cases by backing a plan that would cut prison terms for many drug convicts by an average of nearly a year, a Justice Department official said.

At a meeting Thursday of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Holder plans to announce his support for a change that panel recommended in January, said the official—who asked not to be named. That change would affect suggested sentences for about 70% of federal drug trafficking convicts. Those with moderate amounts of drugs would see reductions, while those involved with small or large quantities would not benefit, the official said.

The change won't be voted on by the commission until at least April, but the official said that in the meantime Holder will instruct federal prosecutors not to oppose defense motions seeking sentences in the proposed, lower ranges. Under the proposal, the average federal sentence for drug trafficking would drop from 62 months to 51 months, the official added.

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