A Little Pot Could Get You a Ticket
Offenders in south suburb face tickets for small amounts to 'unclog' system
Updated 8:51 AM CST, Tue, Dec 2, 2008
A pinch of pot may not be a problem for folks in Chicago Heights after a new ordinance passed through city council Monday night.
City officials voted to use the town's home rule authority to make possession of less than 30 grams of marijuana a ticketable offense.
City attorney TJ Somer said addressing such offenses as ordinance violations rather than crimes helps "unclog" the criminal justice system while providing extra revenue for the city. That's because the city doesn't have to share revenue from fines with the Cook County Circuit Court system.
Offenders will go through an administrative hearing in city court, according to the new ordinance, and will be responsible for paying whatever fine the ticket holds.
First Published: Dec 2, 2008 6:52 AM CST
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