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(Health-NewsWire.Net, June 09, 2015 ) Miami, FL -- According to the Miami Herald, a new pending new policy for the Miami-Dade county may take the sting out of marijuana possession by eliminating a misdemeanor charge and taking jail time out of the equation, tacking offenders with a $100 fine instead. The policy was proposed and sponsored by County Commissioner Sally Heyman. If the policy isn't vetoed by Mayor Carlos Gimenez, those slapped with the fine won't have to go to court, or have drug charges on their records. The policy's proposal is intended to give low level, nonviolent offenders a second chance to make things right without impeding their ability to work or receive benefits. If the policy is ratified, law enforcement officials will be able to circumvent criminal charges and subsequent jail time for up to 20 grams of marijuana with fines.
As legislature currently stands marijuana possession in Miami-Dade county can result in one year of prison time. Miami Drug Rehab is a drug treatment facility in Miami specializing in drug and alcohol addiction. The Addiction treatment Center in Miami supports the passage of the new bill as a means to help drug offenders seek treatment and get the help they need to overcome substance use disorders. The Miami Herald quotes Meyman, "[The new policy] allows us to give someone a break. It doesn't destroy somebody's life because they smoked a joint at a concert, or had a pipe in their pocket."
If the new policy is passed officers will have the right to choose between their options of reprimand. Meaning, they may choose to still go through with an actual arrest, according to the legislation already in effect from the misdemeanor law. The new policy hopes to reduce the number of marijuana related offenders in prison to free up resources for law enforcement officials. Reducing the number of prison inmates will also cut taxpayers' expenses for criminal justice fees.
Juan Perez, the Miami-Dade Police Department's Director is quoted by the Miami Herald, "[The new policy] gives the option [for officers] to go with a citation for those individuals that may have no record, or only a minor criminal history, [and] stay out of the criminal justice system."
An associate from Miami Drug Rehab comments, "This new progressive policy in an area like Miami, where marijuana possession is common and a major source of detainment for many individuals, if approved, will help get people out of the madness of recidivism and hopefully into treatment. Jails are notorious for having poor access to addiction treatment- but that's where we come in. As an addiction treatment center directly affected in the hub of Miami, we'd like to see more clamor for treatment- but this is an excellent first step towards getting patients out of the justice system so they can hopefully find the help they need to overcome substance abuse and addiction that is quick to follow."
Miami Drug Rehab specializes in treating the full spectrum of drug and alcohol addiction in Miami and the surrounding areas of South Florida. The rehabilitation center specializes in alcohol and heroin rehab in Miami. Miami Drug Rehab provides its clients with drug detox and inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization rehabilitation. During treatment clients undergo intensive, group, and family therapy to break the mental and emotional aspects of drug and alcohol addiction.
For more information about Miami Drug Rehab call (305)-928-2144 or visit http://www.miamidrugrehab.org/.
About Miami Drug Rehab:
Miami Drug Rehab offers clients in south Florida with comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment beginning with inpatient medical detox continuing to inpatient rehabilitation, outpatient rehabilitation, and residency in sober living communities. Our clients receive extensive drug counseling and life coaching services throughout treatment.
Miami Drug Rehab
Miami Drug Rehab Miami Drug Rehab
305-928-2144
info@miamidrugrehab.org
Source: EmailWire.Com 
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