West Palm Beach approves civil fines for marijuana arrests

Author: the associated press
Published:
MGN

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) – Police in West Palm Beach will now have the option of issuing $100 fines for marijuana violations.

City commissioners unanimously approved the ordinance on Tuesday.

The Palm Beach Post (http://pbpo.st/1OvE7lS ) reports juveniles, felons and people on probation or with DUI convictions won’t get the option of a fine if stopped by police. But most others caught with 20 grams or less of marijuana will just get a civil fine.

Anyone under 18 will be given the option of entering a first offender program. If they pass, their criminal record will be wiped clean and fingerprint records will be discarded.

Assistant City Attorney Dana Herst told commissioners the ordinance won’t interfere with the department’s ability to conduct investigations.

Mayor Jeri Muoio says the commission will review the results after six months.

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