Drug Control: Difficulties in Denying Federal Benefits to Convicted Drug Offenders
GGD-92-56
Published: Apr 21, 1992. Publicly Released: May 15, 1992.
Skip to Highlights
Highlights
Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the: (1) implementation of Department of Justice guidelines that allow federal and state court judges discretion in imposing sentences to make convicted drug offenders ineligible to receive certain federal benefits; (2) impact that benefit denial has had on drug offenders; and (3) possible effects of making benefit denial a mandatory sanction on conviction of a drug offense.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| In deliberating on whether to eliminate court discretion in making convicted drug offenders ineligible to receive federal benefits, Congress needs to consider if the benefits that may be achieved would be worth the burden placed on the courts and administrative agencies. |
Closed – Not Implemented
|
The report was held by the House Select Committee on Narcotics, pending the introduction of amendments concerning benefit denial provisions. Effective April 1993, the committee disbanded. |
Full Report
Office of Public Affairs
Topics
BeneficiariesCrimesSubstance abuseDrug traffickingEligibility determinationsFederal aid programsstate relationsJurisdictional authorityLaw enforcementPublic assistance programs