Pubdate: Tue, 03 May 2005
Source: Post-Crescent, The (Appleton,  WI)
Copyright: 2005 The Post-Crescent
Contact:  http://www.wisinfo.com/postcrescent/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1443
Author: Lolita Standifer, staff writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?228 (Paraphernalia)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

KIMBERLY SENDS ITS DRUG CASES TO VILLAGE'S MUNICIPAL COURT

KIMBERLY -- The Kimberly Village Board unanimously agreed Monday to
allow juvenile drug paraphernalia cases to be heard in the Kimberly
Municipal Court.

Fox Valley Metro Police Chief David Peterson said the old ordinance
presented police officers with problems because it didn't specify at
what age juveniles could be charged.

"We can only charge (people) under 17 years of age. What the (new)
ordinance says is that we're allowed to hear them in municipal courts,
but adults we can't. Anyone age 17 and above goes to Outagamie County
courts," Peterson said.

Kimberly resident Chad Kerabble supports the new ordinance.

"I think the police should spend more time busting people with the
drugs," he said. "Why should we have to go all the way out to
Outagamie courts when we could do it here and let Outagamie handle the
big drug cases."

The ordinance describes drug paraphernalia as equipment, products and
materials used or designed for injecting, ingesting and inhaling
controlled substances. The penalty for first-time offenders is $50 and
participation in a supervised work program or community service.

Barbara Standiford thinks the new ordinance is more advantageous for
youth in violation of the law.

"I think they will probably have a better chance in a smaller system.
As big as the Outagamie County system is, they'll probably just get
pushed around instead of getting one-on-one treatment."

Peterson said Little Chute is scheduled to vote on a drug
paraphernalia ordinance next week.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin