Marijuana Laws?
I have a “friend” that was busted with a small amount of marijuana. He was charged with a misdemeanor health code violation. When he paid the fee the court tacked on a “victim restitution fee” off $100.00. Now, I understand that marijuana is illeagal, but I cant think of anyone who was a victim in this situation but this friend of mine. I may be biased…Can someone please enlighten me as to who the victim is? Please refrain from using the “your helping the terrorists” or the “your supporting the drug dealers” approach. assume that my friend grows his own.
Thank you.
You didn’t say what state you’re in, so it’s difficult to fully address your question.
In California, the Victim’s Restitution Fund (VRF) is maintained by the State to provide financial restitution to the victims of crime, where no other method exists to provide them with restitution. The Legislature, knowing that nobody was going to step forward and offer millions of dollars every year to fund this program, elected to mandate that ANYONE convicted a qualifying crime in California pays into the VRF.
What’s a qualifying crime? Near as I know, it’s anything other than a traffic ticket. Can’t say that for sure, and I imagine the Court may have some latitude in who and how that fee is imposed, but that’s the general deal.
Somebody ought to be responsible for seeing that victims of crime are taken care of after the fact. May as well be the people out committing crimes, whether you agree with the crime or not.
by Logo Design
on 18. Nov, 2009
Pot is a natural remedy for many ailments. It is also a lazy-a*s maker. None of my business, but cancer patients could surely benefit. Pot reduces nausea from Kemo-therapy (spelling unsure)
I wish they would choose better battles for God’s sake.
by Rebel Yell
on 18. Nov, 2009
Maybe nonsmokers? of cigarettes or pot. By the way mariuanna should be legalized…
by flowerch
on 18. Nov, 2009
No victim. We have millions in jail for crimes like that. Marijuana is the bourbon/water of the next generation. It will never be legal because it so easy to grow and the government would not be able to collect taxes and lose huge taxes on alcoholic beverages.
When young I used it and found it better than the dry heaves over the toilet booze can give you. Anything in MODERATION is OK.
by ecamp97
on 18. Nov, 2009
The ” People” were the victims. While your friend was getting arrested and booked and fined. Someone was being killed. Your friend had the police busy with him instead of out doing there job’s protecting the person that was getting killed.You get the point.
by pommac
on 18. Nov, 2009
The only “victim” I can think of is the government. Even though it is illegal they are not getting their tax money, so therefore they are the “victim”
by pointles
on 18. Nov, 2009
The idea of laws like those are to prevent people from taking marajuana, not just to punish users. If too many people use it, then there are less people have to function normally in society (because they’re high). Unfortunately, these laws don’t work like they should. The best way to stop the spread of marajuana is through education, because it eliminates the market for it. This has been shown with tobacco – restrictions just make people try harder to get it, while education has decreased teen smoking.
by mwat07
on 19. Nov, 2009
in those types of situations-the state is the victim. since the substance is illegal-your friend is not a victim.
by rhinestones
on 19. Nov, 2009
There is no individual “victim” in this case. You should feel better knowing that that money will be used to help real victims of real crimes i.e. rape and attempted murder.
Life is not fair, although life in the U.S. is more fair then in other places of the world.
I agree the fee is ridiculous.
by clear113
on 19. Nov, 2009
I don’t see how this has anything to do with health codes,, but the victim is your “friend”. No one can fight and win a battle against the tacked on fee.
by BrianC
on 19. Nov, 2009