Madison NORML

But while the new ordinance means that first-time offenders will not face misdemeanor criminal charges, they will still have a record of a ticket for cannabis, per the article, because a city ordinance offense cannot be expunged. Yes, "this is not a decriminalization of marijuana," as Manitowoc alder Paul Tittl is quoted as saying in the article. Nope, just a way to skim a little cash off of an activity that poses no threat to the peace or public welfare while maintaining the facade of keepng society safe from cannabis and those citizens who choose to use it.

Source: Herald Times Reporter click here
Pubdate: June 19, 2007
Author: Helen Clarke

TICKETS FOR MARIJUANA POSSESSION OK'D

Common Council passes ordinance

MANITOWOC - Possession of marijuana is now an ordinance violation, and first-timers who get caught with the drug face a city citation rather than a misdemeanor charge.

The Common Council decided Monday to make the change from the current system, which charges all offenders in circuit court, leaving them with the possibility of $1,000 in fines, six months in jail and a six-month driver's license suspension.

"This is not a decriminalization of marijuana," Alderman Paul Tittl said. "Some people are misunderstanding this."

Under the new rules, anyone caught with more than 8 grams of marijuana will automatically be charged with the misdemeanor, and second and subsequent offenses will be handled in circuit court, District Attorney Mark Rohrer said in February. First offenders with less than 8 grams will get the city ticket.

Making the change to an ordinance prevents a county circuit court judge from expunging the offender's record after the sentence is served. A city citation can't be expunged, so the conviction will appear if there are any future offenses - possibly increasing penalties.

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