Pubdate: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 Source: Oklahoman, The (OK) Copyright: 2006 The Oklahoma Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.oklahoman.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana) LAWSUIT FILED OVER DRUG FINES OKLAHOMA CITY -- A class-action lawsuit challenging fines assessed on simple drug possession cases was filed Friday in Oklahoma County. The lawsuit alleges the Oklahoma County district attorney illegally extracts fines from criminal defendants under a statute that does not allow fines. Attorney Mike Gassaway said the statute shows the range of punishment for possession of a controlled dangerous substance does not include a fine. Debbie Forshee, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma County district attorney's office, said attorneys in the office received word of the lawsuit Friday and have not had the opportunity to look at it and research the statute. Gassaway's client, Earl Merritt, 58, was charged in 2003 with a misdemeanor of possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He received a one-year suspended sentence on both counts and a $200 fine, according to court records. The lawsuit alleges officials at the district attorney's office are imposing fines for the "purposes of greed" and "collection of revenues." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake