In the recent police reports listed in Wauwatosa Now, there were 8 separate instances listed concerning drug possession which will likely lead to drug charges for 11 individuals arrested. Only two of the individuals arrested were over the age of 20 (the oldest being 26). None of the arrests were accompanied by violent conduct on the part of those arrested, only one of the individuals resisted arrest, and only one had any outstanding warrants.
What's also significant is that only one individual arrested was found to be in possession of any drug except for marijuana. A 23-year old man was arrested for heroin possession and for resisting being treated by paramedics. Of those arrested for possession of marijuana, only in two instances was any more found than a single gram of the substance (about 1/30th of an ounce), and in only one instance was anyone arrested for more than one-half of an ounce.
Though the evidence may be somewhat anecdotal, this seems to indicate that most drug arrests involve individuals who are really harming no one but themselves. We're talking about a large number of teenagers or individuals that are barely adults facing criminal sentences for drug possession.
Most of these individuals do not deserve incarceration. What they do deserve is assistance and good advice so that they will not have to face additional arrests in the future. Lawyers that have worked with such drug offenders in the past can provide that advice and also provide resources for individuals that may be struggling with a drug dependency issue.
Each drug arrest is unique, and drug offenders should not be tried in court according to an assembly line basis.
Source: Wauwatosa Now, "Police Report: Feb. 28," by Richard Romano, Feb. 28, 2012
No Comments
Leave a comment