There is little doubt that, throughout the nation, attitudes towards marijuana are changing. The nation, and the world, are watching the decriminalization experiments in several states while others consider that option. Support for, at least, medicinal pot is quite widespread and changes are certainly coming to marijuana law throughout the nation. As the culture has publicly accepted marijuana over the last several decades, laws are sure to follow. Even in Delaware, change seems on the horizon. However, until such change becomes reality, a conviction on pot charges can still carry serious consequences.
According to a recent article posted on Delaware Online, legislation has recently been introduced that would make possession of an ounce or less of marijuana punishable by civil fines and would carry no risk of a criminal record. Rep. Helene Keeley, a south Wilmington Democrat, "said state residents should not have trouble getting a job, or finding financial aid for college, simply because they were busted with a small amount of pot." House Bill 39 seeks to decriminalize a small amount of pot possession.
House Bill 39 may or may not pass. But whatever the future holds, if you are arrested for possession of marijuana, you may face severe fines, jail time and, worst of all, a criminal record. Even if House Bill 39 does pass, it may not be implemented for month or even years. Don't count on the possibility of a new law protecting you. Instead, turn to an experienced criminal defense attorney.