ALBUQUERQUE CITY COUNCILORS APPROVE A PROPOSED MARIJUANA ORDINANCE MONDAY NIGHT … ONE THAT DECRIMINALIZES AN OUNCE OR LESS OF THE DRUG. THE PROPOSAL REDUCES THE PENALTY TO JUST A 25 DOLLAR FINE WITH NO JAIL TIME.
BILL CO-SPONSOR COUNCILOR PAT DAVIS SAYS THEY DISCUSSED AND SAID YES TO THE PROPOSAL THAT OFFERS POLICE WITH THE OPTION OF JUST WRITING THAT TICKET. DAVIS SAYS EVEN THE POLICE UNION IN ON BOARD FOR THIS LEGISLATION. HE SAYS THEY AGREE THAT OFFICERS WOULD RATHER BE FOCUSED ON HIGH PRIORITY CRIMES. SUPPORTERS SAY IT’LL GIVE POLICE THE TIME TO GO AFTER MORE SERIOUS CRIME.
DAVIS IS CO-SPONSORING THE BILL WITH COUNCILOR ISAAC BENTON. THE CURRENT MISDEMEANOR CRIME ON THE BOOKS FOR AN OUNCE OF LESS OF POT GETS YOU 15 DAYS IN JAIL OR A 50 DOLLAR FINE.
