Sex crimes are some of the most serious criminal offenses in our justice system.The people who are accused of these crimes stand to lose a lot. Their livelihoods and, indeed, their futures are on the line. Alleging such crimes against someone is also a very serious matter, and given the perverse and outrageous nature of such an alleged act, it is no surprise that sex crimes are treated so seriously.
Life in prison a possibility for man charged with drug crime
A man from Florida is facing life in prison after pleading guilty to drug distribution charges related to 121 pounds of heroin and cocaine earlier this year. Another person was also charged in the case on conspiracy charges. A court date has yet to be announced for the man accused of drug distribution charges. While his maximum is life in prison, the mandatory minimum of his crimes is 10 years in jail.
Reform for sex offender registration is slow
Registering as a sex offender isn't just embarrassing and punishing, it also leaves the individual with little room to make improvements to his or her life. This isn't a topic that many people like to discuss because the matter of sexually-based crimes are inherently unsavory and tough to talk about. It is easier in many people's minds to just label people who are convicted of sex crimes as horrible and then never consider them again.
Prescription drugs can trigger criminal charges too
Drug charges are very serious. The people accused of these crimes are placed in a very difficult situation, because if they are convicted of what they are accused of, their lives will change forever. They may not be able to retain their driver's license, or obtain professional certifications, or receive approval from landlords to live in certain areas, or even retain or find new jobs. A criminal conviction is a massive blow to anyone, especially if the conviction is centered on drug charges.
How Annie Dookhan opened up Pandora's box for prosecutors
You may not know the name Annie Dookhan, but she has become an important figure in the world of criminal justice. A former lab technician at a drug testing facility, Dookhan was eventually charged with misconduct, tampering with evidence, obstruction of justice, falsifying records. She was sentenced to prison for three to five years. What did she do to earn these penalties and scathing charges?
