White Collar Crime (Such as Martha Stewart's Case) Vs. Street Crimes (i.e. Drug Deals)

White collar crimes committed by people with high status, money, or power generally tend to get a lighter sentencing than street crimes. People with power, have the money and the resources to get out of tough situations that can cause lawful consequences.

For example, in December of 2001, Martha Stewart sold over 3,000 shares of Imclone System Stocks to save her $45,000 on her ImClone stocks. She was convicted of conspiracy, false statement, and prejury changes. For this crime she was only sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, had to pay fines and penalties that exceeded $250,000, and was no longer allowed to be President of Martha Stewart Living Omni-media.

No lets take a look at the penalties for committing a street crime such as drug dealing and manufacturing. In Kansas if you convicted of manufacture of a controlled substance, you face up to 17 years of imprisonment, and a $500,000 fine. Also in Kansas if you are convicted of distribution of marijuana, other stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, or anabolic steroids, you face a 4 years, 3 months Jail sentence, and up to a $300,000 fine for you first offense; For your second offense you face up to 17 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.

Now I know what your thinking, how can Martha Stewart only get a 10 months sentence when she basically stole millions of dollars and her fine is exactly the same as someone who only sold drugs, and they get a longer sentence. Well that is the way Social class works. Even though white collar crimes effect our country more than street crimes do, we are putting people away for long periods of time for sealing drugs, when someone can steal millions of dollars and basically walk away.