A “different method of handling” petty crimes involving marijuana could mean more revenue for the city and more just outcomes for offenders, Meadville Police Department Chief Michael Tautin told Meadville City Council on Wednesday.
Tautin proposed that the city define possession of small amounts of marijuana or marijuana-related drug paraphernalia as summary offenses under the city’s local ordinances. Possession of 30 grams of marijuana or less and possession of items used to store and smoke marijuana are currently charged as misdemeanors under the state criminal code.
Comparing a summary offense charge to tickets received for traffic violations, Tautin said the arrangement would still act as a deterrent due to the potential fine that would accompany the charge and the swift imposition of such a fine. He proposed a $300 fine for anyone found guilty of either charge.
At the same time, the chief said, those found guilty of summary counts of possession of a small amount of marijuana would not face the potential long-term impact on their ability to find jobs or obtain student loans.
“Having that misdemeanor charge on your record can be debilitating. It can be a big deal,” Tautin said. “It still offers us that deterrent — it’s still illegal, it’s still a drug, but with the fine paid,…
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A “different method of handling” petty crimes involving marijuana could mean more revenue for the city and more just outcomes for offenders, Meadville Police Department Chief Michael Tautin told Meadville City Council on Wednesday.
Tautin proposed that the city define possession of small amounts of marijuana or marijuana-related drug paraphernalia as summary offenses under the city’s local ordinances. Possession of 30 grams of marijuana or less and possession of items used to store and smoke marijuana are currently charged as misdemeanors under the state criminal code.
Comparing a summary offense charge to tickets received for traffic violations, Tautin said the arrangement would still act as a deterrent due to the potential fine that would accompany the charge and the swift imposition of such a fine. He proposed a $300 fine for anyone found guilty of either charge.
At the same time, the chief said, those found guilty of summary counts of possession of a small amount of marijuana would not face the potential long-term impact on their ability to find jobs or obtain student loans.
“Having that misdemeanor charge on your record can be debilitating. It can be a big deal,” Tautin said. “It still offers us that deterrent — it’s still illegal, it’s still a drug, but with the fine paid,…