Government

Marijuana Bill Aims to Keep First-Time Offenders Out of Jail

Rep. Rory Ellinger introduced House Bills 511 and 512 Thursday.

By Maggie Rotermund
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February 8, 2013

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Rep. Rory Ellinger's district includes most of University City north of Delmar. House Communications Office

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Rep. Rory Ellinger's district includes most of University City north of Delmar.

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State Rep. Rory Ellinger, D-University City, introduced two bills Thursday that impact how law enforcement deals with marijuana possession.

House Bill 511 — To repeal sections 488.650 and 610.140, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof two new sections relating to petitions to expunge certain criminal records. The bill oncreases the surcharge on petitions for expungement from one hundred dollars to five hundred dollars and expands the list of misdemeanor offenses which can be expunged
House Bill 512 — To repeal sections 195.202 and 195.233, RSMo, and to enact in lieu thereof two new sections relating to controlled substances, with penalty provisions. Revises penalty provisions for possession of less than 35 grams of marijuana and possession of marijuana drug paraphernalia

The AP reports that the legislation aims to save the state money by keeping first-time drug offenders out of jail and would help people with marijuana convictions in their youth get jobs later by not having to disclose the conviction.

"It means keeping the records clean of countless numbers of young people who take a flow trip on the river, they have a little bit of marijuana on them. They don't even bother to come in, they plead out and they can never get a job," Ellinger told The Riverfront Times in November. "Literally thousands of people are affected this way on a yearly basis."

Do you think Missouri should lower the criminal penalties for marijuana offenses? Tell us in the comments.

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Ed

9:02 am on Friday, February 8, 2013

Marijuana should be legalized as was done by the voters in Colorado and Oregon in 2012. It is not dangerous. It doesn't cause driving accidents like alcohol. It is not addictive like tobacco. About half the prisoners in the U.S. are locked up for minor marijuana offenses which is incredibly costly and causes the criminal record to needlessly ruin peoples' lives. Marijuana is simply not harmful enough to warrant any offense from it and it could add to our economy as a recreation that's safer than alcohol.

Colorado also legalized growing industrial hemp, which doesn't make one high at all. Hemp is a fantastic crop for food and textiles. We're the only industrialized country where it can't be grown.

Representative Ellinger this is a step in the right direction. Thank you.

Ronald

1:31 pm on Friday, February 8, 2013

I was arrested for having 1/2 joint in my floor-board in the year 1997. This cost me a job after being employed and training for 2 weeks with US AIR as pilot in 2005 because of this FBI listing. note: only thing listed

Representative Ellinger, thanks for your concern.

FlyingTooLow

2:29 pm on Friday, February 8, 2013

Here's another idea...release all those from prison convicted of ANY marijuana offense.
Law enforcement needs to re-direct its focus on crime...to those that are REAL crimes.

I was in Federal Prison for 5 years for a marijuana offense. No, it was not for simple possession. I was arrested aboard a Lockheed PV2 in Marianna, Florida...charged and convicted for conspiracy to import and distribute 12,000 pounds of marijuana.

As the 5 years rolled by, what I did see were armed bank robbers, coming and going...while I still sat there for marijuana. Most of the bank robbers only spent 17 to 24 months. But, I and my fellow 'drug offenders,'...we stayed for years.

I wrote about the escapades that led to my incarceration. I admit, I had a great time. No one was injured, no one was killed, firearms were not involved...there were no victims.

We were Americans...doing what Americans do best...living free.

The book: Shoulda Robbed a Bank

I would be honored by your review.