BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A hearing is held on a bill that would lower penalties for marijuana possession.
The bipartisan bill would lower the fine from $1,500 to $150 for those caught in possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana.
It would also reduce the penalty from an infraction to a non-criminal citation.
North Dakota States Attorneys and North Dakota Legal Council testified that lowering the penalty for possessing small amounts of marijuana would free up lawyers and the courts for more severe crimes.
“You’ve heard from me more than once this session about the problems we’re having in indigent session about the problems we’re having in indigent defense with our rising caseloads, with our inability to recruit and retain attorneys. I think this is a common-sense bill that moves things to help aleviate some of those problems,” said Travis Finck with Legal Council For Indigents.
The Chiefs of Police Association of North Dakota testified against the bill claiming it was a step towards legalization.
The committee took no action.
BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — A hearing is held on a bill that would lower penalties for marijuana possession. The bipartisan bill would lower the fine from $1,500 to $150 for those caught in possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana. It would also reduce the penalty from an infraction to a non-criminal citation. North Dakota States Attorneys and North… Read More
