Pubdate: Tue, 18 Nov 2014
Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM)
Copyright: 2014 Albuquerque Journal
Contact:  http://www.abqjournal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/10

SANTA FE POT CHARGES TOSSED

SANTA FE - Santa Fe's city judge is dismissing citations issued by 
police for misdemeanor marijuana violations because the City Council 
has decided that people possessing small amounts of pot should 
instead be charged with a civil infraction.

City employees were caught by surprise when the council in August 
approved an ordinance outright instead of having voters decide the issue.

The ordinance took effect in September, but city employees didn't 
have new forms ready to charge violators with a civil infraction 
instead of a criminal violation.

Municipal Court Judge Ann Yalman says she's been dismissing citations 
filed under the old law because she no longer has jurisdiction.

Police say they'll stop sending misdemeanor citations to Municipal Court.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom