The New York City Police Department has announced that it will no longer arrest those carrying 25 grams or less of marijuana.
Instead, NYPD officers will issue begin issuing summonses to those in possession of small amounts of marijuana, reports Gothamist. The summonses, similar to those issued for speeding tickets or relatively minor offenses, will not appear on a person’s criminal record.
What else do you need to know about the NYPD’s new marijuana possession enforcement policy? Here are five facts:
- Brooklyn’s DA already instituted a similar policy. The NYPD’s announcement comes after the Brooklyn District Attorney announced earlier this year that it would no longer prosecute those arrested with less than 25 grams of marijuana.
- First offense will result in $100 fine. A violation of New York’s marijuana possession law will still result in a fine of up to $100 for a first offense. The violation will not, however, appear on an offender’s criminal record.
- Those cited …read moreSource:: Law Blog