A Houston DUI Attorney Helps Us Understand Houston Marijuana Laws
Harris County has experienced a great deal of public perception change with regards to marijuana. Additionally, there has been a lot changes with regards to marijuana laws. Herein we will explore the changes marijuana laws in Houston. We will cover the recent weed developments. Consequently, the culture revolving around weed has also changed a great deal (case-in-point, the rise of synthetics), you have a lot to learn. We will answer the common question of the legality of weed and much more. To start off, you should note that even some police officers approve of lighter laws surrounding marijuana. For instance, Art Acevedo, the Houston Chief of Police recently stated his approval of lightening marijuana laws in Houston in cases of non-violent drug offenses. Another major development has been the Harris County Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program, which aims to reduce the punishment applicable for individuals caught with up to four ounces of marijuana.
The New Marijuana Policy In The County Harris
For the most part, Marijuana charges still do apply when driving. As such, if you are caught driving under the influence of weed, be sure you will need a Houston DUI attorney. However, while celebrating within reason in a private residence where you do not make loud noises and disturb your neighbor, there are almost zero chances of getting caught. Please note that this article is to be used for information only and not as an endorsement for you to smoke weed. That being said, Harris County is charting the path of decriminalizing weed.
The New Houston Marijuana Laws
With the enactment of new laws and policies regarding weed comes a new culture and new way of life. You might ask “Can I be charged for possessing marijuana?” And if I’m caught what are the charges? Below are the answers to these questions. Since March 2017, Houston marijuana laws and policies stipulate that anyone in the Harris County area caught with up to 4 ounces of weed should not be arrested. This policy stems from Police Chief Acevedo shifting focus to violent drug crimes and the big mover and shakers in the drugs trade. However, you should note that this policy applies to individuals in the Harris County ONLY. Other counties, led by Montgomery County have stated that their policy of going after all drug users remains in force. Therefore, they go after and prosecute any and all drug users, regardless of whether a violent crime occurred or not. That’s a buzz kill right there. Nonetheless, do all your smoking in Houston, keep your weed stock under 4 ounces, be smart about your weed consumption, and you will not have a run-in with the law. However, it far better to refrain from smoking or possessing weed if your county or state still considers it illegal. For more information on Houston DUI attorneys at the Butler Law Firm, check out our site.
Cannabis Diversion Program In The Harris County Area
Since March 2017, if you are caught by the police with up to 4 oz of cannabis in the Harris County, it is most likely that you be asked to participate in the county’s Diversion Program and fined. The program entails a 4-hr educational course that is designed to impart to you a new perspective of your actions, and thereby dissuade you from smoking marijuana in the future. Under the program’s terms, once you complete the course and pay the fine, your record will remain clean. You can, therefore, go on with your life unimpeded. However, you can avoid all this by refraining from smoking marijuana. Nonetheless, it is important to follow all the Houston marijuana laws strictly. This is because not all cities have adopted the diversion program. For instance, according to a recent report in the Houston Chronicle, cities around the Bay Area such as Lakeview, Friendswood, and Seabrook have yet to adopt the new Harris County marijuana policy.
For more information on Butler Law Firm services, check out our blog or contact a Houston DUI attorney at the Butler Law Firm at (713) 236-8744 for immediate assistance.