Wednesday, May 23, 2018

BRONX DISTRICT ATTORNEY DARCEL D. CLARK STATEMENT ON PROSECUTION OF PUBLIC USE OF MARIJUANA


 “While smoking marijuana in public remains a quality of life concern and a nuisance to many of our citizens, an arrest and prosecution for it can lead to a criminal record affecting employment, school and housing, and have life-long consequences. People of color in the Bronx are arrested and processed in the system in disproportionate numbers, and I cannot turn a blind eye to this unfairness. I am urging the NYPD to issue criminal court (“C”) summonses during stops for public use and possession of marijuana to address the public safety and community concerns. This will spare all Bronxites from undergoing arrest for these offenses, and allow the NYPD and the Bronx District Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute violent crimes, which are a threat to public safety. We will continue to work with the Mayor and Police Commissioner on this policy.”

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