Washington State Criminal Defense Lawyers
Everyone knew that voting would be the easy part of marijuana legalization. Now, six months after Washingtonians passed recreational marijuana legislation, we are beginning to get a clearer picture of how those laws will look in practice. Officials released proposed rules regarding recreational marijuana this week, and though they’ll likely change some, they offer a glimpse into how the law will be implemented. [Read more…]
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When a judge sides with you, as a defendant in a criminal case, it can be a relief. It can even feel empowering if the judge goes so far as to call out the police or prosecutor on mistakes they made in your arrest and prosecution. So, one Tacoma man likely feels a little bit of smug pride in the way his marijuana case has unfolded. [Read more…]
When recreational marijuana was passed in November, people across the state of Washington sparked up in celebration. It was a little Wild West as marijuana users attempted to find where they could fit in with the new laws. As a result, private clubs were formed—something officials say breaks the law. [Read more…]
Things are a little up in the air in Washington these days—police want to hold on to their marijuana enforcement powers, but are at a loss on how to do so. Evidence of their confusion comes in the reports of several people being arrested for having a “green film” on their tongues, something the cops say is evidence of using marijuana. [Read more…]
Among other challenges of the new Washington state marijuana polices, and there are many, is the challenge of keeping the legal weed inside the borders of Washington. This endeavor, if done successfully, could keep the federal government from suing the state in an effort to usurp what the voters want—regulated and “free” marijuana.
According to the Associated Press, Washington Governor Jay Inslee insists it is possible, though checkpoints and fences don’t seem to be options on the table. [Read more…]
January 23 marked the first of several public forums on Washington’s new marijuana laws. According to The Olympian and several other media outlets, it was standing room only.
The Washington State Liquor Control Board is tasked with implementing the new legislation which legalizes recreational marijuana, and they want input from the public. [Read more…]
After it was apparent Washington voters had legalized recreational marijuana, the question arose about pending marijuana cases where people were arrested and charged before I502 passed. What would happen to those people facing charges of possession, charges for something no longer considered a crime? At least in some jurisdictions, those people are now off the hook. [Read more…]
Now that we have approved marijuana legalization, it is important to understand what that means to smokers, what exactly is legal and what is not, and any potential pitfalls under the this new and groundbreaking law. [Read more…]
Washington voters spoke loud and clear last night as they voted to pass I-502, a victory for civil liberties, consenting adults, and the war against the War on Drugs. The people of Washington will soon be able to possess marijuana, not only for medical use, but for recreational use. The people will soon be able to choose for themselves whether they use a harmless herb in the sanctity of their own home. [Read more…]
As Washington residents consider whether or not to pass legislation legalizing recreational use of marijuana, many are considering what it would save the state to remove the ban on pot. A new analysis shows savings could be considerable. According to a group of academics out of New York, the state has spent over $300 million on more than 240,000 pot possession arrests over the past 25 years. The majority of these arrests have happened in the last decade. [Read more…]