As the Texas Legislature begins its session, a Houston judge is again arguing to end jail time for criminals caught with small amounts of cocaine and crack, but this time he has the support of 15 colleagues.
State District Judge Michael McSpadden on Wednesday sent a letter to the state’s top officials and Houston’s senators and representatives asking for a change in what he called “draconian” laws.
In his letter, McSpadden suggested reducing the charge and mandating drug treatment. He also recommended funding misdemeanor drug courts.
McSpadden said 25 percent to 30 percent of Harris County’s 22 criminal district court dockets are felony charges for less than 1 gram of a controlled substance.
McSpadden said his concerns come from fielding complaints about the system from juries and residents.
“The ‘War on Drugs’ isn’t working, and we as judges realize it,” McSpadden said. “And the public realizes it.”
Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos said the problem is multifaceted, and she is studying the best ways to solve the problems associated with drug abuse, including pre-trial diversion and residential treatment centers.
Lykos also pointed out that any drug user contributes money to criminal empires, including drug lords in Mexico and terrorists worldwide.
“Anyone who uses illicit drugs has blood on their hands,” she said.
via Judge still on quest to decriminalize minor drug use | Top stories | Chron.com – Houston Chronicle.
Ms. Lycos, can you explain to me how the marijuana I smoked from the plant I grew in Oregon from a cutting of an outdoor plant in Oregon given to me for no charge contributed one penny to drug lords and terrorists? You do know that marijuana grows perfectly well here in America, right?
Anyone who supports marijuana prohibition has blood on their hands, Ms. Lycos. We’d be more than happy to put Mexican drug gangs out of the business of marijuana. Just let us.
