WAUKESHA COUNTY EASES POT PENALTY

Those Caught in Possession Can Be Cited, Not Charged

Waukesha - Marijuana possession in Waukesha County for first-time
offenders soon will be handled like a traffic offense rather than a crime.

The Waukesha County Board voted Tuesday to decriminalize such
possession cases, with the maximum penalty a $1,000 fine.

Previously, all such cases were handled as misdemeanor offenses,
punishable by up to six months in jail.

Milwaukee County and several municipalities already have
decriminalized first-time possession as a way to ease punishment for
offenders and relieve court congestion.

Some officials in Waukesha County, however, opposed the move as
contradictory toward urging children and others to avoid illicit drug use.

The measure passed on a 27-4 vote.

Supervisor Rodell Singert of Vernon opposed the change, urging his
colleagues to remember the anti-drug-abuse message of "Just say no."

"Let's get back to reality," he said. "There's a slippery slope here
that needs to be reinforced by a severe punishment."

Others said decriminalization reflects the reality that small-time
marijuana use is commonplace and no longer is widely regarded as
criminal conduct.

"Society has changed," said Supervisor Jean Tortomasi of Waukesha.

With the change, sheriff's deputies will have the option of writing
first-time offenders citations rather than arresting them and seeking
criminal charges from the district attorney's office.

Charges still could be sought against repeat offenders, those caught
with a large quantity of marijuana, or those believed to be drug dealers.

Both District Attorney Brad Schimel and Sheriff Daniel Trawicki
supported decriminalization.

"We should listen to the professionals," said Supervisor William
Mitchell of the Town of Waukesha.

Not only does the change mean a new way of handling certain drug
cases, it means that any revenue from fines will stay in Waukesha County.

Previously, most revenue went to the state because the district
attorney technically is a state employee.

The Sheriff's Department has budgeted for about $37,000 in fines next
year expected to be generated through drug citations.

Supervisor Patricia Haukohl of Brookfield said the change will ease
the paperwork, caseload and other administrative overhead for those
in the criminal justice system.

She added: "It helps the D.A. get to the more serious cases."