NEW STUDY UNDERMINES CRIMINAL DRUG SANCTIONS - POT USE DOES NOT CAUSE CAR CRASHES

In a new study the use of marijuana was found not to increase the risk of car crashes. After adjusting for age, sex and alcohol use the study showed that people testing positive for pot were not more likely than other drivers who were not using drugs or alcohol to cause or avoid car crashes. When pot is combined with alcohol use the synergetic effect of the combined drugs could increase the chances of a car crash. The study undermines the rationale for DUI laws that include pot as a possible single intoxicant to define marijuana impaired driving. 


Every criminal law should have some basis either in morality or scientific fact. It's clear that many laws criminalizing marijuana use are not based on any actual scientific studies. Instead criminal drug laws including those for marijuana are too often based on whim, class war, fear and politics. The results are miserable with people's lives being ruined by criminal statutes that have no basis in scientific fact. 

Those who use drugs should not be harassed, arrested nor charged with crimes and heavy marijuana penalties. Too often police use inappropriate and un-american tactics of drug searches and seizures to fight their unilateral drug wars often without seeking proper search warrants from judges. Because of the widespread use of drugs the process itself is fraught with hypocrisy with many of those in law enforcement including prosecutors and police officers using illegal drugs recreationally. 

Yet those arrested pay a heavy price not only in fines, probation and jail, but also in how they are later treated within the community. Despite Clearwater criminal drug court, those facing drug sanctions live in constant fear and intimidation of the law. This new study should go a long way toward changing the fanatical attitude of many narrow minded Americans who would take away the freedom of others to live life as they choose. 

DRUG TESTING & DRUG TREATMENT OR JAIL? IS THE CLEARWATER DRUG COURT A VIABLE OPTION IN PINELLAS COUNTY FLORIDA

To the credit of our local Judges and attorneys, Pinellas County has instituted a reasonably enlightened treatment for some drug offenders (see below for qualifications). It would almost be enough to make even a jaded Clearwater Drug Defense Attorney smile were it not for the fact that the rules for the Drug Court Program allows prosecutors rather than Judges to determine who can be accepted into the program -- wouldn't it make more sense for an impartial Judge to decide who is worthy of the program and to expand the ability of Judges to dismiss or reduce charges where appropriate.

The cooperative effort of a team approach is a hallmark of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Adult Drug Treatment Court in Clearwater Florida, Pinellas County. It is a court-supervised, comprehensive drug treatment court for non-violent defendants, I guess that leaves me out. This is a voluntary program requiring frequent appearances before the Drug Court Judge, substance abuse treatment and frequent, random testing for substance abuse.
1. Successful completion of the Adult Drug Treatment Court plan may result in the dismissal of charges against defendants entering the program through Pre-Trial Intervention (defendants facing a first-time, non-violent, third-degree felony charge and admitted to Drug Court at the sole discretion of the State Attorney).
2. For defendants entering the Drug Court as a condition of probation (post-plea drug court), successful completion may result in adjudication being withheld and/or a reduced length of probation.
3. All participants are required to make frequent court appearance (judicial reviews). Participants will appear before the drug court judge every 30 to 45 days.
4. Drug court is a 24-month program. After completion at least one year, persons who have completed treatment, remained drug free and completed all of their requirements of Pre-Trial Intervention or probation may petition the court for a dismissal of the charges (Pre-Trial Intervention) or early termination of probation (post-plea drug court).
Pinellas County Drug Court
Most Recent Drug Court Stats from Pinellas
Florida State Courts
Drug court a success: research - National - smh.com.au

A recent painting depicts a Pinellas County Prosecutor making impartial decisions on which Defendants will be eligible for Drug Court in Clearwater, Florida. 

Picasso The Absinth Drinker 1901.  What? Can you repeat that?