California Voters Support Reduced Drug Penalties
A survey of California voters indicates the state’s residents are ready for some meaningful drug possession laws reform. But the question is, will the lawmakers back their constituents’ wishes? To the extent that voters indicate they want things changed, it isn’t likely. But after last year’s close call with Proposition 19, the air of change is definitely upon us.
The results of this survey were released early this week and indicate that 75% of voters polled would ilke to see drug possession reduced to a misdemeanor charge. Currently, for harder drugs like heroin and cocaine, it’s a felony. Forty percent would like to see it dropped to an infraction.
The poll was conducted in a collaborative effort with the Lake Research Partners, Drug Policy Alliance, ACLU of Northern California, and the Ella Baker Center for Human Rights in Oakland. The pool was made up of 800 votes that plan on casting ballots in the 2012 general election. It included voters aligned with all parties.
The voters polled said they would have more respect for and be likely to reelect politicians who vote to reduce drug penalties. If this isn’t a nudge to lawmakers, I’m not sure what is.
About 75% stated they would like to see the money used on over-incarceration used on schools and healthcare instead, saying that the state sends too many people to prison.
When asked about penalties for possession of a controlled substance in California, about 25% said the offender should serve no time at all. Twenty-seven percent said they should serve less than 3 months and 8% said they should be sent to prison for a year or more.
California is seen as a leader in the field of drug reform and specifically when it comes to marijuana reform. Most of the country was on the edge of their seats last year as California voters went to the polls to vote on Proposition 19, which would have legalized marijuana possession. Its defeat wasn’t necessarily surprising, but a slight disappointment for some.
Until lawmakers make the changes that their voters would like, we are stuck with the laws on the books. And though the general public may think personal drug possession shouldn’t be considered a serious offense, that is little comfort when you’ve been arrested and charged. The prosecutors will aggressively prosecute drug possession laws in California as long as the remain in place.
If you are facing drug charges, contact our local attorneys across California today for a consultation on your case. Depending on the facts of your case, you may not have to serve jail time at all. Let’s discuss your options.
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