DC Drug Possession Distribution Lawyer

As reported by the Washington Post and numerous other media outlets, the D.C. City Council voted 11-1 to decriminalize the possession of less than one ounce of marijuana.  In lieu of the current criminal penalties of 180 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine for possessing small amounts of marijuana, possession would be a civil infraction carrying a fine-only punishment, similar to a speeding or parking ticket.

If the legislation is enacted, D.C. would follow the lead of 15 other U.S. states that have already decriminalized possession of marijuana.  Although possession of marijuana remains illegal under federal law, the Department of Justice has not taken any action to enforce federal law in those states that have decriminalized possession through state legislation.

As reported by the Washington Post and numerous other news outlets, Attorney General Eric Holder is set to announce new policies for the prosecution of drug crimes by the Department of Justice.  These new measures are aimed at combating the problem of overcrowding in federal prisons.  In addition, the new policies hope to avoid sending individuals charged with non-violent drug crimes to jail for lengthy periods of time.

Since 1980, the population of the United States has grown by approximately 33%.  However, the federal prison population has grown 800% in that same time.  Jails are operating at 40% over capacity.  The federal government spent $80 billion incarcerating inmates in 2010.

When choosing a Washington, DC criminal defense attorney there are a number of things you should be looking for. First and foremost, you have to trust anyone you hire.  If after speaking to an attorney you do not feel as though you trust them then you absolutely should not hire that person.  In addition, it is important that anyone you hire has experience with the type of crime you are charged with.  For example, if you are facing a Washington, DC DUI charge, make sure the attorney you hire has plenty of experience with DUI cases in DC.  Finally, do your homework.  A simple Google search of an attorney's name will most likely provide you with plenty of information about an attorney.  Make sure the attorney's reputation is what you would expect.  If you are not able to obtain any information about an attorney after a simple Google search that should tell you a lot about that attorney.