Under federal law, certain drug offenses carry automatic or “mandatory” prison terms regardless of the circumstances or the individual’s criminal history.
For instance, possessing a significant quantity of drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, or heroin can result in lengthy mandatory sentences. Depending on the quantity of drugs involved, the mandatory minimums are usually either 5 years in prison or 10 years in prison. For example, the distribution of 5 grams or more of methamphetamine carries a 5-year mandatory minimum sentence while distribution of 50 grams or more carries a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence.
There are exceptions, of course. The main exception is through a federal law that is commonly called the “safety valve.” The safety valve is a provision that allows certain non-violent drug offenders with limited criminal history to be sentenced below mandatory minimums.
