Credits: York Daily Record
By a 4-1 vote, City Council approved a bill introduced by Councilwoman Judy Ritter-Dickson subjecting those possessing less than 30 grams of marijuana to a civil fine or community service and not a criminal prosecution and possible jail time. GARY HABER
York Mayor Kim Bracey on July 25 signed into law a bill making possession of small amounts of marijuana or hashish, or smoking it in a public place, a civil offense rather than a crime.
Here’s a look at the law.
What conduct does the law apply to?
Possessing 30 grams or less of marijuana or 8 grams or less of hashish, or smoking that amount of marijuana or hashish in a public place.
Does the law legalize possession or smoking? No. It makes them a non-criminal offense but it doesn’t legalize those actions.
Who does the law apply to? People age 18 and older.
What happens to violators? They get a Notice of Violation and are subject to a fine or having to perform community service.
How much is the fine for possession?
$100 for a first offense, $250 for a second offense within five years and $500 for a third offense. After that, violators are subject to criminal prosecution.
How much is the fine for smoking in a public place?
$150 for a first offense, $300 for a second offense within five years and $600 for a third offense.
Credits: usatoday.com
