Bill in Congress - HR-3327

7-26-2009 National:

`Ramos-Compean Justice Act of 2009'

Note: While this is not a bill which directly affects sex offenders, but could on a federal failure to register charge, it is a bill advocates should support, especially since it is introduced by Rep. Scott who has fought for fairer legislation for sex offenders.

Sponsor: Rep Scott, Robert C. "Bobby" [VA-3]
Introduced 7/24/2009 Bill: HR-3327

The STATED intent of the bill is: To amend title 18, United States Code, to prevent unjust and irrational criminal punishments.


My Summary:
In essence this bill is a mandatory minimum buster bill. This bill would allow judges, in an appropriate case, to sentence a person to something less than a mandatory minimum.


My Analysis:

The entire bill states:

SEC. 2. AUTHORITY TO IMPOSE A SENTENCE BELOW A STATUTORY MINIMUM.

Section 3553 of title 18, United States Code, is amended by adding at the end the following:

`(g) Authority To Impose a Sentence Below a Statutory Minimum To Prevent an Unjust Sentence-

`(1) GENERAL RULE- Notwithstanding any provision of law other than this subsection, the court may impose a sentence below a statutory minimum if the court finds that it is necessary to do so in order to avoid violating the requirements of subsection (a).

`(2) COURT TO GIVE PARTIES NOTICE- Before imposing a sentence under paragraph (1), the court shall give the parties reasonable notice of the court's intent to do so and an opportunity to respond.

`(3) STATEMENT IN WRITING OF FACTORS- The court shall state, in the written statement of reasons, the factors under subsection (a) that require imposition of a sentence below the statutory minimum.

`(4) APPEAL RIGHTS NOT LIMITED- This subsection does not limit any right to appeal that would otherwise exist in its absence.'.

I would SUPPORT this bill 100%. Contact lawmaker, with your views, by clicking on his/her name above, as well as your own folks in Congress.

Folks can contact the Committee Members working on this bill, by simply clicking on the bill number above, going to the "Congressional Actions" section and find the name of the committee. Once you have the committee name, contact the correct committee here: House Committees or Senate Committees

Thanks,
eAdvocate

Note: To see all bills concerning sex offenders or their families currently in Congress simply click here. At the present time I do not review sex offender bills concerning Immigration or Appropriations, they get very involved and are time consuming.

Note: Full bill text WILL NOT be included in this blog because as time goes on bills are amended by Congressional Committees and also on the floor of either house, and it is too easy to confuse folks who may not realize that. Further, links to the bill in Congress will be provided so folks can always see the latest version of the bill.