If you're poor then a first-time non-violent crime can get you a life sentence in the U.S: https://federalcriminallawcenter.com/2013/01/non-violent-drug-crime-g

If you're poor then a first-time non-violent crime can get you a life sentence in the U.S: https://federalcriminallawcenter.com/2013/01/non-violent-drug-crime-gets-first-time-offender-life-sentence/ https://federalcriminallawcenter.com/2013/01/non-violent-dru... So I figure the "softer" treatment really only applies to those with wealth.