Milwaukee officials are considering relaxing penalties for marijuana possession. A new study released this week finds first-time offenders in the city rarely spend time in jail.
The Milwaukee Common Council will vote next week on a proposal to reduce the fine for first-time offenders caught with less than 25 grams of marijuana. Supporters hope the change will reduce the number of mostly African-American young men sent to jail for drug possession.
But a study by the Public Policy Forum suggests just reducing the fine may not get the desired result, because it’s the second or third offense that almost always results in a criminal charge and jail time.
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“You could certainly look at both reducing the fine and insuring that a greater number, or perhaps even all small-possession offenses are considered a municipal violation and not criminal violations,” said study author Rob Henken.
Henken said that’s what some cities like Philadelphia done, where possession of 30 grams or less is results in a city fine of just $30.
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