Drug Penalties Lessened

St. Paul, MN (Learfield)  --  The Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines Commission has approved changes to the state's drug sentencing guidelines which would lessen the penalties for offenders.  

Last week's vote was seven-to-three, meaning the changes will go into effect in August. The Minnesota Legislature could choose to intervene.  

The sentence for first-time convicted offenders would be four years in prison instead of seven.  Sentences for drug sellers would be five years instead of seven.