But not anymore. PLRA requires prisoners to exhaust the administrative remedies established by the corrections system before filing a lawsuit in federal court. PLRA also gives judges an expedited process to screen out frivolous cases before they go to trial. Mandatory Sentences for Gun-Wielding Criminals Early this year, the House passed a bill which establishes tough mandatory sentences for violent criminals and drug traffickers who use firearms while committing a federal violent or drug crime. Sentences range from 10 years in prison for those who possess a gun in furtherance of such crimes to 15 years for brandishing a gun to 20 years for discharging the firearm.
Sentences significantly increase for repeat offenders.