Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Gwinnett County, GA
A group of students are trying to push for the decriminalization of marijuana in Gwinnett County and their message is simple, give fines instead of jail time for pot possession.
It's a proposal brought forth by a group called Students For Sensible Drug Policy and the chairman of the University of North Georgia chapter says he is taking the cause to Gwinnett County commissioners.
"People just shouldn't be put in jail for this," says Severin Mangold. "Give police another option besides arresting people and putting them in jails and charging them with this and ruining their lives."
Eric Mangold
Other options pursued
The other option Mangold proposes is a fine. The idea was recently adopted in the DeKalb County community of Clarkston only weeks ago.
Clarkston's mayor Edward "Ted" Terry says the proposal still sends the message of illegality but with less severe repercussions.
"We are making a statement to say that we believe that it's still illegal. You will still get fined. We just don't want you to go bankrupt or go into debt or lose your job," said Terry.
In Clarkston, the penalty for possessing an ounce of marijuana or less gets you a $75 fine but no jail time. Mangold says he knows all too well what trouble the current state law on possession can result in.
"I have a friend that's going through a hard time he physically can't even afford to pay for an attorney to even stand up for him and it's heartbreaking," says Mangold.
Mangold believes changing the law will also result in less long-term consequences for offenders, like probation. But he also knows he's fighting an uphill battle.
"I don't think they're really going to be on our side for a while until we show them how things can be done," said Mangold.
Mangold says the group will continue to take their message to the commission. CBS46 reached out to Gwinnett County officials but have not received word back.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Could Marijuana Be Decriminalized In Gwinnett County?
Author: Julian Johnson
Contact: 706-494-5458
Photo Credit: WGCL
Website: WTVM
A group of students are trying to push for the decriminalization of marijuana in Gwinnett County and their message is simple, give fines instead of jail time for pot possession.
It's a proposal brought forth by a group called Students For Sensible Drug Policy and the chairman of the University of North Georgia chapter says he is taking the cause to Gwinnett County commissioners.
"People just shouldn't be put in jail for this," says Severin Mangold. "Give police another option besides arresting people and putting them in jails and charging them with this and ruining their lives."
Eric Mangold
Other options pursued
The other option Mangold proposes is a fine. The idea was recently adopted in the DeKalb County community of Clarkston only weeks ago.
Clarkston's mayor Edward "Ted" Terry says the proposal still sends the message of illegality but with less severe repercussions.
"We are making a statement to say that we believe that it's still illegal. You will still get fined. We just don't want you to go bankrupt or go into debt or lose your job," said Terry.
In Clarkston, the penalty for possessing an ounce of marijuana or less gets you a $75 fine but no jail time. Mangold says he knows all too well what trouble the current state law on possession can result in.
"I have a friend that's going through a hard time he physically can't even afford to pay for an attorney to even stand up for him and it's heartbreaking," says Mangold.
Mangold believes changing the law will also result in less long-term consequences for offenders, like probation. But he also knows he's fighting an uphill battle.
"I don't think they're really going to be on our side for a while until we show them how things can be done," said Mangold.
Mangold says the group will continue to take their message to the commission. CBS46 reached out to Gwinnett County officials but have not received word back.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Could Marijuana Be Decriminalized In Gwinnett County?
Author: Julian Johnson
Contact: 706-494-5458
Photo Credit: WGCL
Website: WTVM
