Williams Wanted To Move First-Offense Marijuana Cases To City Court.

LAFAYETTE - An attempt to send first-offense possession of marijuana cases to city court was narrowly rejected Tuesday by the Consolidated Council.

Councilman Chris Williams asked the council to move to city court all first-offense possession and attempted possession of marijuana cases in the city of Lafayette.

The change would give local government more jurisdiction over drug cases and make it easier to track the outcome, Williams said.

All drug possession cases go to district court under state law. That means the district attorney's office prosecutes all cases and collects court costs and fines, said District Attorney Mike Harson.

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