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How The Seattle Police Department Will Enforce Marijuana Laws

How The Seattle Police Department Will Enforce Marijuana Laws

In less than a month, on December 6th 2013, it will be legal in Washington State for an individual to possess and smoke marijuana.  Any individual age 21 or older may legally carry up to an ounce of marijuana (or 16 ounces of solid marijuana-infused product, like cookies, or 72 ounces of infused liquid, like oil) for personal use.  And with these news laws coming into effect soon, it is important to know how Seattle police along with other city police officers will enforce these laws.

The Seattle Police Department has a blog article, “Marijawhatnow? A Guide To Marijuana Use” describes the police departments understanding of initiative I-502 and the measures that will be taken by law enforcement to uphold these laws.  The article was written in question and answer form which makes it easy to understand in everyday applications.

Here are some of the key highlights you should know to avoid being arrested by police:

Can I legally carry around an ounce of marijuana?

According to the recently passed initiative, beginning December 6th, adults over the age of 21 will be able to carry up to an ounce of marijuana for personal use. Please note that the initiative says it “is unlawful to open a package containing marijuana…in view of the general public,” so there’s that. Also, you probably shouldn’t bring pot with you to the federal courthouse (or any other federal property).

Can I grow marijuana in my home and sell it to my friends, family, and co-workers?

Not right now. In the future, under state law, you may be able to get a license to grow or sell marijuana.

Can I smoke pot outside my home? Like at a park, magic show, or the Bite of Seattle?

Much like having an open container of alcohol in public, doing so could result in a civil infraction—like a ticket—but not arrest. You can certainly use marijuana in the privacy of your own home. Additionally, if smoking a cigarette isn’t allowed where you are (say, inside an apartment building or flammable chemical factory), smoking marijuana isn’t allowed there either.

What happens if I get pulled over and an officer thinks I’ve been smoking pot?

If an officer believes you’re DUI (driving under the influence) of anything, they will conduct a field sobriety test and may consult with a drug recognition expert. If officers establish probable cause, they will bring you to a precinct and ask your permission to draw your blood for testing. If officers have reason to believe you’re under the influence of something, they can get a warrant for a blood draw from a judge. If you’re in a serious accident, then a blood draw will be mandatory.

What happens if I get pulled over and I’m sober, but an officer or his K9 buddy smells the ounce of Super Skunk I’ve got in my trunk?

Under state law, officers have to develop probable cause to search a closed or locked container. Each case stands on its own, but the smell of pot alone will not be reason to search a vehicle. If officers have information that you’re trafficking, producing or delivering marijuana in violation of state law, they can get a warrant to search your vehicle.

SPD seized a bunch of my marijuana before I-502 passed. Can I have it back?

No.

Will SPD assist federal law enforcement in investigations of marijuana users or marijuana-related businesses, that are allowed under I-502?

No. Officers and detectives will not participate in an investigation of anything that’s not prohibited by state law.

I’m under 21. What happens if I get caught smoking pot?

It’s a violation of state law. It may be referred to prosecutors, just like if you were a minor in possession of alcohol.

If you have any further questions pertaining to the new marijuana laws or have been recently arrested for possession of marijuana or DUI of marijuana contact our criminal defense attorneys at David O Defense 206-459-6392 today.

The above Q&A’s were derived from the article “Marijawhatnow? A Guide To Marijuana Use” was written by Jonah Spangenthal-Lee, and can be found on spdblotter.seattle.gov.
 

 

Cee Lo Green Charged With Sexual Assault And Possession of Drugs?

Cee Lo Green Charged With Sexual Assault And Possession of Drugs?

Is it true that one of our favorite judges on “The Voice” is being charged with sexual assault and possession of Ecstasy?  Well, yes and no.  Known not only for his musical talents but also for his unique and entertaining wardrobe choices, singer Cee Lo Green, has been charged with possession of a felony drug (Ecstasy) and the allegation of sexual assault has been dropped.

This case against Cee Lo Green, real name Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, began over a year ago when a women accused Cee Lo of slipping Ecstasy into her drink during dinner at a Los Angeles sushi restaurant.  After dinner the alleged victim blacked out and didn’t remember anything that happened the rest of the evening until the next morning when she woke up in Cee Lo’s bed naked.  Supposedly the women, not from LA, immediately went back home where she contacted a lawyer to try to collect money from Cee Lo for what had happened.  With no luck and no extra money in her pockets, the women then contact the police and filed a report, which was transferred to LA police.

After many months of police investigation, the Los Angeles County District Attorney decided not to file charges of sexual assault due to lack of evidence but did follow through with filing the felony charge of furnishing ecstasy.  According to sources, Cee Lo had been on numerous dates with the alleged victim and they had been sexually intimate on several occasions before this incident happened.

Green’s criminal defense attorney stated, “We are pleased that the Los Angeles County District Attorney has completed its investigation and concluded that the evidence did not support the false and unfounded claims made over a year ago.”

This morning Cee Lo was present at court with his defense attorney by his side, where he pled not guilty to the felony drug charge.  Before his court appearance, the singer told TMZ reporters he was relieved and not scared — relieved that he’s not being charged with sexual assault, and not scared of the drug charge.

If found guilty of the felony drug charge, Cee Lo could be singing behind bars, spending a maximum of four years in prison.  His next court date has been scheduled for sometime in November.  We will keep you posted on Cee Lo’s legal happenings.

As for “The Voice”, have no fear, Judge Cee Lo Green will not be fired and no changes will be made to this season.

 

Written by S.O

Lil Twist, Justin Beiber’s Best Bud – Popped For Marijuana DUI

Lil Twist, Justin Beiber’s Best Bud – Popped For Marijuana DUI

Caught in the act with a lit marijuana blunt, 20-year-old Lil Twist, was arrested by Calabasas police for DUI of drugs.  Police stopped Lil Twist, real name Christopher Lynn Moore, for speeding in BFF Justin Bieber’s stealthy chrome Fisker Karma.  When law enforcement approached the vehicle to question Lil Twist, police allegedly saw a lit joint in the car with additional undisclosed amounts of marijuana.  Lil Twist was arrested and booked on suspicion of DUI of drugs.  The police reported he was not DUI based on alcohol.

Although Lil Twist has been charged with a DUI based on drug consumption the penalties are the same as if he was DUI based on alcohol.  Here in Washington State, the fact you are a minor and have been arrested for DUI does not necessarily mean you would be charged as a minor DUI, y0u would have to qualify.  To qualify as a minor DUI the individual would have to be under the age of 21 years and would have a breath test of at least .o2 but less than .08 or a marijuana THC concentration of above .000 but less than .05.  The penalties for a minor DUI include a fine ranging from $0-$1,000.00 and a maximum of 90 days in jail.

 

Written by S.O