According to multiple polls, around 70% of Americans support the legalization of marijuana for adult use. And, marijuana is legal, at least for medical use, in the majority of U.S. states – and the total number of states where it is legal keeps growing. Currently,...
drug possession
In Wisconsin, Blacks are 4.2 times likelier to be arrested for pot
Throughout the criminal justice system, people of color have traditionally been arrested more often, charged more harshly, given less access to bail, convicted at greater rates and sentenced to longer than their white peers. This has certainly carried through to drug...
Illinois moves to expunge low-level marijuana convictions
"We are ending the 50-year-long war on cannabis," said Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said in a statement recently. The state has just legalized the possession of marijuana for personal recreational use. Medical marijuana is also legal in Illinois.Expungement of...
False positives common in drug field tests; the innocent at risk
Matthew C. was charged with possessing 92 grams of heroin after a baggie full of white powder was discovered in his van. The powder allegedly tested positive for heroin in a field test. In reality, it was laundry detergent.Matthew was innocent but was charged with...
How common are wrongful misdemeanor convictions?
If you were charged with a misdemeanor, you might decide to plead guilty just to get out of jail and go home. By definition, the penalty for a misdemeanor must be less than a year behind bars, and most people receive far less than that. In many cases, a guilty plea...
Reversal: Sessions says to crack down on low-level drug offenders
What crimes do you consider to be the most serious? Murder? Child sex offenses? Even drug trafficking might be a reasonable choice. Most people believe we should apply the harshest sentences to the most serious crimes, and most have an idea of which are the most...
What can I do if the drug charges against me are incorrect?
While drug cases tend to be fact-specific, prosecutors also have considerable leeway when it comes to the charges they file. Some suspects may think that they are being charged with simple drug possession, only to find out later that they face charges of possession...
Wisconsin lawmakers consider bill to prevent fatal drug overdoses
Heroin has always been a dangerous and deadly drug. But in recent years, overdose deaths have increased significantly here in Wisconsin and around the country. Experts say that this due, in part, to stronger and purer forms of heroin coming into the United States via...
Wisconsin man with odd name arrested again for drug charges
Beezow Doo-Doo Zopittybop-Bop-Bop, a man whose name drew the attention of the media last year, has been arrested for drug possession near Waukesha, Wisconsin. The 32-year-old man was recently arrested on drug charges for possessing marijuana with intent to manufacture...
Wisconsin man faces drug possession charges after a crash
In Waukesha, Wisconsin, being involved with prohibited substances is a very serious offense. In fact, law enforcement agencies are always looking for people who have committed such an offense. Upon conviction for a crime like drug possession, conspiracy or drug...