Several years ago my cousin, Nicholas, had gotten caught up with a crowd who were deeply involved with drugs. He began to make decisions that would forever change the trajectory of his life. One day he was with the friends when they stopped at a dealers house. One thing lead to another and they were all arrested. Nicholas didn’t even enter the house, he stayed outside the entire time, but because of Mandatory Sentencing he was sentenced to life in prison.

While the legislation requiring Mandatory Minimum Sentencing was started with the intention of deterring crime, years later the reality of that legislation has caused more heartache and tragedy for those caught in the net of those minimums. These mandatory minimums impact minorities at a much higher rate. Additionally, they do not distinguish between someone who was only on the periphery of an exchange and the actual perpetrators. This is unfair.

These minimums take the responsibility for determining intent and potential from judges. They become no more than referees between the prosecution and defense. Judges should have autonomy to determine if a young person who has made an impulsive bad decision could be rehabilitated or if they have demonstrated dedication to a destructive lifestyle, are beyond redemption, and should serve much lengthier prison time.

In Florida, “Life” means Life. There is no opportunity for parole. Please help us return the power to the courts and let those who have dedicated their lives to the law determine sentencing for those in their courts.