Schwarzenegger Signs Bill Making Less than an Ounce an Infraction

In a sign of the changing attitudes towards marijuana, yesterday Governor Schwarzenegger signed Senate Bill 1449. As of January 1, 2011, the bill reduces possession of less than an ounce from a misdemeanor to an infraction.  Under the current law, the person in possession faces a $100 fine, may appeal in court (necessitating huge expenses to the State for a trial), and has an arrest record.

SB 1449 changes this.  The person is given a $100 fine but will not have an arrest record.  Mostly this is good for both the smoker (no record to declare when applying for jobs, etc.) and the state (as there will be much less court costs associated with infractions.)  Schwarzenegger said, “In this time of drastic budget cuts, prosecutors, defense attorneys, law enforcement, and the courts cannot afford to expend limited resources prosecuting a crime that carries the same punishment as a traffic ticket. However, there will be no option of appealing in court which could be frustrating to a truly innocent person.

Should Prop. 19 pass, it currently has misdemeanor charges for smoking in public and in front of minors (the latter has been a concern of growers with families.)  SB1449 changes these to infractions–simple $100 dollar fines.

H/Tip to Charles of the Sentinel.

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Big Al
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Big Al
13 years ago

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
(Charlie scoops the northcoast on this one)

Big Al
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Big Al
13 years ago

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”
(Charlie scoops the northcoast on this one)

Director
Guest
13 years ago

Damned good bill for our Governor to sign!
Simply another smart, money-saving move leading up to legalization next month!

Director
Guest
13 years ago

Damned good bill for our Governor to sign!
Simply another smart, money-saving move leading up to legalization next month!

Un-Named
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Un-Named
13 years ago

I admit I’m surprised…it could be a sign that he knows prop 19 will pass…or that this will soften the backlash when it doesn’t.

Un-Named
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Un-Named
13 years ago

I admit I’m surprised…it could be a sign that he knows prop 19 will pass…or that this will soften the backlash when it doesn’t.

Mr. Nice
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Mr. Nice
13 years ago

This is great news for corner kids all over the state.

Mr. Nice
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Mr. Nice
13 years ago

This is great news for corner kids all over the state.

olmanriver
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olmanriver
13 years ago

“”There is a significant shift occurring,” said Leno, who has served in the state Legislature since 2002. “This bill has been brought to the Legislature at least four times since I’ve been there … and the great success this year was because we not only had the defense bar in support but also the California District Attorneys Association and the Judicial Council. Everyone was of the same mind: This should be changed. … The ball has moved down the field.””
The Chron on the chronic.

olmanriver
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olmanriver
13 years ago

“”There is a significant shift occurring,” said Leno, who has served in the state Legislature since 2002. “This bill has been brought to the Legislature at least four times since I’ve been there … and the great success this year was because we not only had the defense bar in support but also the California District Attorneys Association and the Judicial Council. Everyone was of the same mind: This should be changed. … The ball has moved down the field.””
The Chron on the chronic.