Cedeno v. Commonwealth

The Legislature has enacted two statutory provisions making the possession of cocaine with intent to distribute it unlawful. The two provisions set forth somewhat inconsistent potential penalties for conviction of that crime. See G. L. c. 94C, § 32A (a), as amended through St. 1982, c. 650, § 7, 1 and G. L. c. 94C, § 32A (c), as amended by St. 1988, c. 125. 2 Although there are considerable similarities in the sentencing options available to a judge under the two statutes, § 32A (c) requires the imposition on conviction of “a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of one year,” whereas § 32A…