Pubdate: Thu, 26 Jul 2001
Source: Appleton Post-Crescent (WI)
Copyright: 2001 The Post-Crescent
Contact:  http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1443

PUT ALL DRUG OFFENDERS ON THE SAME LEVEL FIELD

Outagamie County Supv. Ed Thomas of Appleton has the right idea in 
seeking a countywide ordinance regarding first-time marijuana 
possession offenders.

Currently, our laws fluctuate with geography, making the same act a 
crime on one side of the road and barely an issue on the other. The 
county needs a consistent law that sets a basic pattern of behavior.

Without an ordinance, the county's drug enforcement process defaults 
to state laws, which make it a misdemeanor for the first offense of 
possession. In municipalities with ordinances, the officers can issue 
the less serious ordinance citation.

More importantly, however, the citation is simply a more appropriate 
reaction by law enforcement for a first offense with a minor drug. A 
misdemeanor brands a person with a criminal record, one that can 
complicate their ability to get a job, lift their driving privileges 
and even prevent them from getting financial aid for college.

While these first-time offenders usually don't go to jail, they are 
processed, probationed, and fined for their offense. It's doubtful, 
however, that the fine even covers the cost of the all the busy work.

We should note that Thomas's adult daughter was arrested on a 
misdemeanor drug possession charge earlier this year in Calumet 
County, but he has denied that was the reason for his proposal.

Counties need consistency, he said, and if Outa-gamie officials can 
see the wisdom in this proposal, they'll vote in favor of a 
countywide ordinance.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Kirk