The commissioners of Broward County have finally given approval to a slight change in marijuana laws. This change may shed some good light on those that have been sent to jail for possessing small amounts of marijuana. Under the newer ordinance, police officers would have the option of giving a $100 citation for the possession of less than 20 grams of pot. This would avoid that person getting a criminal charge. If there was a repeated violation, a $250 citation would then be issued.
“We’re not condoning the use of marijuana. We’re not encouraging it,” said Marty Kiar, the Vice Mayor who brought the issue to attention. “The reason this is important is because an arrest can ruin people’s lives. The vast majority aren’t convicted, yet once arrested a person can lose their job, be denied housing (and) lose their income. Many people who are arrested are working hard to make ends meet and a civil citation won’t derail their lives.”
The fine has the possibility of being waived by the officers choice of forcing the attendance of a community service program approved of by the county.
“I am for allowing the option of a civil citation, including treatment,” stated Commissioner Chip LaMarca. “I just want to make sure that we’re very careful that we’re not allowing other drugs to come into the process because they look like something else.”
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