The Memphis City Council voted 12-1 on Tuesday to accept the minutes of its Oct. 4 meeting, cementing a vote creating civil fines for small amounts of marijuana.
Memphis police will have the option of enforcing the ordinance, as opposed to issuing state criminal court charges, once Mayor Jim Strickland signs the minutes in the next 10 days.
The ordinance allows police officers to issue City Court citations punishable by fines of $50 for casual possession of a half-ounce or less of marijuana and related paraphernalia. Officers could also opt to charge offenders with a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in jail and a $2,500 fine.
The ordinance also allows City Court judges to offer community service instead of the fines, although city Chief Operations Officer Doug McGowen previously said that piece of the ordinance would be delayed as city and court officials seek answers to questions about that process.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker
Full Article: Memphis Council Finalizes Vote On Pot Fines
Author: Ryan Poe
Contact: (901) 529-2345
Photo Credit: Nikki Boertman
Website: The Commercial Appeal
