Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
New Orleans - Starting Wednesday, police will now have the choice fine offenders, rather than arresting them when it comes to marijuana possession in the city.
Championed by Councilwoman Susan Guidry, the City Council approved an ordinance in March that sought to soften the punishments for someone over the age of 17 who is caught with less than 2.5 pounds of weed.
"This reduces the jail population. It reduces the amount of people that don't have to be in jail," explained NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison.
The new policy puts in place a tier system for fines. A first offense would be a $40 fine, a second offense would be $60 increasing by $20 for each offense after that.
"Now there are sometimes where we would have to make a physical arrest if their accompanied by other violations if we have information that a person is selling marijuana, or has the intent to sell and it's not for personal consumption," explained Harrison.
The new law wouldn't apply to offenders caught in designated drug-free zones like schools, parks, or churches. Any arrest would have to be approved by a supervisor, but when it comes to Louisiana State Troopers, the rules are different.
"The Louisiana State Police is responsible for enforcing state law across the state of Louisiana and we want to remain consistent from New Orleans all the way to Shreveport," State Trooper Spokesperson Melissa Matey.
Under state law, a suspect can still be arrested for possessing pot. A second offense means a felony and jail time. While the City of New Orleans is changing its approach to weed, the state is holding firm, something made clear in the differing punishments they impose for the same crime.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: NOPD And State Police Marijuana Possession Punishments Differ
Author: David Ramos
Contact: (504) 529-6298
Photo Credit: David Ramos
Website: 4WWL
Championed by Councilwoman Susan Guidry, the City Council approved an ordinance in March that sought to soften the punishments for someone over the age of 17 who is caught with less than 2.5 pounds of weed.
"This reduces the jail population. It reduces the amount of people that don't have to be in jail," explained NOPD Superintendent Michael Harrison.
The new policy puts in place a tier system for fines. A first offense would be a $40 fine, a second offense would be $60 increasing by $20 for each offense after that.
"Now there are sometimes where we would have to make a physical arrest if their accompanied by other violations if we have information that a person is selling marijuana, or has the intent to sell and it's not for personal consumption," explained Harrison.
The new law wouldn't apply to offenders caught in designated drug-free zones like schools, parks, or churches. Any arrest would have to be approved by a supervisor, but when it comes to Louisiana State Troopers, the rules are different.
"The Louisiana State Police is responsible for enforcing state law across the state of Louisiana and we want to remain consistent from New Orleans all the way to Shreveport," State Trooper Spokesperson Melissa Matey.
Under state law, a suspect can still be arrested for possessing pot. A second offense means a felony and jail time. While the City of New Orleans is changing its approach to weed, the state is holding firm, something made clear in the differing punishments they impose for the same crime.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: NOPD And State Police Marijuana Possession Punishments Differ
Author: David Ramos
Contact: (504) 529-6298
Photo Credit: David Ramos
Website: 4WWL
