Final answer:
Kristy could face serious criminal charges for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute based on the evidence found in her car. Historical and ongoing issues related to the sentencing disparities for different forms of cocaine and their racial implications could play a role in discussions about the charges and potential defense strategies.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question concerns the potential criminal charges that could be brought against Kristy, who was found with 1 kilo of powder cocaine, sandwich baggies, and a digital scale during a traffic stop. The presence of these items, particularly the cocaine and items commonly associated with drug distribution, suggests that Kristy could be charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, which is a serious crime under both federal and state laws.
The Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 and the subsequent changes in legislation throughout the years, including the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994, have focused on increasing penalties for drug offenses, especially when they involve large quantities or distribution intentions.
Moreover, historical disparities in punishment for crack versus powder cocaine have been noted, with crack offenses receiving much harsher sentences—a policy that many saw as racially biased due to the demographics of typical users for each drug form.
However, the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010 reduced the sentencing disparity between crack and powder cocaine, although it did not eliminate it entirely. If Kristy's charges go to trial, the past and current discussions of drug laws and racial biases could be relevant, but her immediate concern would be the potential for a serious drug charge based on the evidence found in the car.