What does decriminalization really mean?

[defintion10]

I was just wondering what happens when you are found with under an ounce in a decriminalized state. I live in California which I believe is a decriminalized state. What trouble do you get into and do cops ever just let you off if you have a very small amount?

defintion10 Reviewed by defintion10 on 07-29-2007. What does decriminalization really mean? I was just wondering what happens when you are found with under an ounce in a decriminalized state. I live in California which I believe is a decriminalized state. What trouble do you get into and do cops ever just let you off if you have a very small amount? Rating: 5

[Thepossumdance]

umm i also live in cali (LA to be exact) and from personal experience no, this state is not decriminalized and it really depends on where u r in the state and what the cops are like there...


point is the cops can and most likely will take u in if u have a pretty good sized amount of herb on u

[defintion10]

I live in Thousand Oaks about 20 minutes from you. On some site I thought CA was decriminalized? I was just wondering what that actually meant, let me look on a site to see if CA is decriminalized.


EDIT:

[thcbongman]

California has laws mimicking what decriminalization is suppose to be, but it's not completely. It's not legal to purchase and consume.

Decriminalization would be like cigarettes and alcohol. Although it's legal to purchase and consume, certain acts aren't.

[defintion10]

oooh.

[happiestmferoutthere]

In California decriminalization means no prison time or criminal record for first-time possession of a small amount for personal consumption.It is treated like a minor traffic violation.
Straight from NORML's web site.

[jaGerbom]

California has laws mimicking what decriminalization is suppose to be, but it's not completely. It's not legal to purchase and consume.

Decriminalization would be like cigarettes and alcohol. Although it's legal to purchase and consume, certain acts aren't.

thats not true. decriminalization just means you cant be put in jail for it...but it still is illegal.

[defintion10]

Oooh. Here in Thousand Oaks some cool cops just laugh at you if you have under an eighth.

But that's cool how it isn't "too" bad.

[Thepossumdance]

lol its all relative though dont fuckin go around thinking that most cops are "cool" about it...

just because NORML says u can have a small amount on u and not go to jail doesnt mean that the cops wont think ur small amount is a large amount if the night is going kinda slow for them...

its fuckin illegal thats where it ends... cops can and will bring u in for it

lol its treated like a traffic ticket? i dont know what NORML thinks they're pulling but thats a load of horseshit...

[Zohar]

lol its all relative though dont fuckin go around thinking that most cops are "cool" about it...

just because NORML says u can have a small amount on u and not go to jail doesnt mean that the cops wont think ur small amount is a large amount if the night is going kinda slow for them...

its fuckin illegal thats where it ends... cops can and will bring u in for it

lol its treated like a traffic ticket? i dont know what NORML thinks they're pulling but thats a load of horseshit...

Well, it IS just like a traffic ticket in some states like California depending on the circumstances (i.e. you have some nugget on you with a bowl and don't have a scale with you). Other states have different laws where it is significantly more illegal and may net you jail time.

Decriminalization simply means that they lessen the magnitude of a crime. It could mean they simply eliminate it as a crime (which no states have done except for perhaps Alaska when it's inside your house) or they just reduce the penalty slightly.

Every state that enacts these laws can and most likely will do it differently then another.

New York it's considered a fine the first three times, afterward however there is Jail time associated with it.

California, it's strictly a fine for simple possession.

Alaska, it's a fine and I believe under four ounces in one's own home is perfectly legal.

These laws are superseded (over ruled) by federal laws, though in most cases federal authorities do not prosecute simple possession cases.

Check the NORML site for laws in your area, as not all states are the same. Hope this helps a bit.