H.R. 5172: Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act

This bill, known as the "Strong Sentences for Safer D.C. Streets Act," proposes to increase the mandatory minimum sentences for several serious crimes in the District of Columbia. The key changes outlined in the bill include the following provisions:

1. First Degree Murder

The bill mandates life imprisonment without the possibility of release for individuals convicted of first degree murder. This changes the current law which allowed for a minimum of 30 years imprisonment.

2. Second Degree Murder

For second degree murder, the law is amended to stipulate a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, with the maximum being life imprisonment.

3. Rape and First Degree Sexual Abuse

• The bill increases the mandatory minimum for rape to 25 years, and to 30 years if the offender has a prior conviction for a violent crime.
• For first degree sexual abuse, the mandatory minimum is set at 25 years, with the possibility of a life sentence.

4. Kidnapping

The mandatory minimum sentence for kidnapping is changed to a range of 10 to 30 years, up from a previous unspecified maximum of 30 years.

5. Carjacking

• For unarmed carjacking, the minimum sentence is increased from 7 to 10 years.
• For armed carjacking, the minimum sentence is raised from 15 to 20 years.

6. First Degree Burglary

The mandatory minimum sentence for first degree burglary is set at 10 years, increased from the previous minimum of 5 years.

7. Effective Date

The proposed changes would apply to individuals charged with these offenses on or after the bill's enactment date.

Relevant Companies

None found.