Seattle moves to dismiss [cannabis] misdemeanors
For years, [cannabis] convictions have had painful implications on the everyday lives of Washington’s most vulnerable populations, Mayor Jenny Durkan said in a press conference Thursday, Feb. 8th, 2018. Durkan said she hoped Seattle’s plan will serve as a template for other cities seeking to correct the biases of outdated and punitive drug laws.
“It could be a barrier to housing, to getting credit, to getting good jobs and an education,” she said. Once the misdemeanor charges are vacated or dismissed, she added, those seeking employment, applying to school, or trying to rent an apartment, “can check they do not have a conviction after this is done.” … Last week, prosecutors in San Francisco threw out thousands of marijuana-related convictions of residents dating back to 1975. As NPR reported, District Attorney George Gascón said his office will dismiss and seal 3,038 misdemeanor convictions dating back before the state’s legalization of marijuana went into effect, with no action necessary from those who were convicted. Prosecutors will also review nearly 5,000 felony convictions and consider reducing them to misdemeanors.
Original Article (NPR):
Seattle moves to dismiss [cannabis] misdemeanors
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