What is the difference between a mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum sentence?

Mandatory minimum sentences and maximum sentences are two types of sentences imposed by the Drug Crimes Law in New York. A mandatory minimum sentence is the minimum amount of time a person must serve as punishment for a crime. For example, someone convicted of a drug crime may be required to serve a minimum of five years and a maximum of fifteen years in prison. A maximum sentence is the maximum amount of time a person can be sentenced to serve for a crime. In the case of a drug crime in New York, the person will be sentenced to the maximum sentence of fifteen years in prison. However, the judge has the discretion to reduce the sentence to a lesser amount if the individual has taken steps to demonstrate that they are remorseful or have worked to become a productive member of society. The difference between a mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum sentence is that a mandatory minimum sentence requires the convicted individual to serve at least the minimum amount of time, whereas a maximum sentence gives the court the discretion to reduce the sentence if the individual is found to have made positive changes in their life. In either case, the ultimate goal is to ensure that justice is served and that any drug crime perpetrator is held accountable for their actions.

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What is the difference between a mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum sentence?

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