PUNISHMENT TOO HARSH

I am a 19-year-old woman; I was arrested shortly after my 18th birthday for
possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, amounting to two felonys. I
was allowed to plea bargain my charge down to a misdemeanor, but the
mandatory minimum was still a year of probation and a fine of $1,500. That
is a lot of money for someone who is trying to work her own way through
college.

I don't feel that drugs should be legal, but the punishment should fit the
crime.

I cannot now get a decent job for the rest of my life, and am not allowed
any financial aid from the government for school, and can't even rent an
apartment because of my record. This charge will forever plague me in all
aspects of my life.

Lindsey Norton, Litchfield Park