HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1988/09/01 Item 24
r.
'-
"cOUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
I telJl-24d .:) '--I .c-
Meeting Date 9/1/87
ITEM TITLE:
Reso1 uti on O~ f I Mandati ng
convicted of drug dealing
Councilman Tim Nader 1'~
Ci ty Manager ~
life sentences for individuals
SUBMITTED BY:
REVIEWED BY:
(4/5ths Vote: Yes No X )
--
The attached resolution on sentencing for drug dealers is recommended to the
City Council for submittal at the Annual League of Cities Conference in
October 1987. The purpose for the resolution is to make State legislators
aware of the increasingly serious problem caused by drug abuse and drug sales,
and to encourage the legislature to increase the penalties related to the "for
profit" sale of drugs by imposing a life sentence for this activity.
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council adopt the resolution.
BOARDS/COMMISSIONS RECOMMENDATION:
(. DISCUSSION:
The types of drugs available for sale have become increasingly more dangerous
and the parallel costs to the public in increased crime and societal breakdown
unacceptable. Further, the economic expenses involved, and the personal cost
in suffering experienced by victims' families, only magnifies the need for
effective legislation to deal with this important issue.
Not applicable.
The proposed resolution urges the State Legislature to mandate a "life
sentence" for individuals convicted of the "for profit" sale of drugs. The
intent being to provide a significant deterrent to the sale of drugs which is
adequate to pi-otect society and discourage the sale of "deadly" drugs.
(Deadly drugs would include in its definition, methamphetamines, cocaine,~
heroin, and similar drug families.) Further, it is the intent of this
resolution to give trial judges discretion to impose far more lenient
penalties if unusual circumstances exist related to the sale of drugs. This
would especially be applicable in the instance of a first-time offender who
cooperated with the courts and law enforcement in providing information that
would secure the apprehension of major suppliers.
It is recommended that the Ci ty Counci 1 adopt the attached resol uti on as a
first step towards aiding law enforcement in dealing with this important issue.
r.
SWM:fp
WPC 1764A
Y the City CO:J~cil ?f
Chula Vista, Ca1tlOrnla
Dated
,
I ;;7.: ,i