HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Statement 1987/09/01 Item 24dCOUNCIL AGENDA STATEMENT
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ITEM TITLE:
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REVIEWED BY:
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Item 24d
Meeting Date 9/1/87
Resolution~~,?3~Mandating life sentences for individuals
convicted of drug dealing
Councilman Tim Nader ~ r
City Manager
(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: Not applicable.
The types of drugs avai 1 able for sale have become i ncreasi ngly 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.
DISCUSSION:
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 protect 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 City Council adopt the attached resolution as a
first step towards aiding law enforcement in dealing with this important issue.
SWM:fp
WPC 1764A
y the City Council of
Chula Vista, California
Dated ~__