Drugs in Massachusetts - Convictions, Sentences and Recidivism Among Class 'A' and Class 'D' Defendants

• NCJ Number: 86643
• Author(s): M E Brown; J P Cordella; R Richmond
• Date Published: Unknown
• Length: 27 pages
• Corporate Author: Massachusetts Office of Commissioner of Probation
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This study explores the conviction rates for offenders charged with heroin-related (Class A) drug offenses and those charged with marijuana-related (Class D) offenses in Massachusetts. It also examines these offenders' criminal histories and the sanctions imposed.

Abstract

Class A offenders tend to be older and to have a higher percentage of prior drug convictions for all other types of crimes than Class D offenders, who are less likely to be arraigned on a subsequent drug charge. Females are overrepresented in the Class A category. Moreover, Class A defendants took longer to reach a final disposition than the others. Thus, the longer the time to disposition, the greater the likelihood of subsequent arraignments and convictions. Study data and 15 references are included. (Author abstract modified)