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Posted: Sunday, 26 July 2009 8:21AM
Sheriff: More discussion of decriminalization of marijuana needed
Bob Roberts Reporting
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CHICAGO (WBBM) -- Decriminalization of marijuana in unincorporated Cook County is not the ticket -- at least yet -- for Sheriff Tom Dart.
Dart said he was surprised by Tuesday's 12-3 vote by the Cook county board to give sheriff's deputies the latitude to either charge offenders under existing state law or to issue a $200 ticket, and let the offender go.
The measure would apply only to amounts of one-third of an ounce or less -- but would cover those found with a single joint.
Proponents say that arrests of that type of "nuisance" violations clog the court system. Dart said he wants to see studies that back up that contention before signing off on it.
Dart, a former prosecutor, said judges already have the ability to give such offenders probation.
"I think any time you're talking about legalization or downgrading there needs to be a very thorough discussion," he said. "It needs to be based on facts and analysis. I don't know if that was done."
The measure's sponsor, Commissioner Earlean Collins (D-Chicago), wants to extend the ordinance countywide.
Cook County Board President Todd Stroger has not decided whether to sign the measure into law. A veto would require 14 votes to override.
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