BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) – Erie County District Attorney John Flynn announced on Wednesday that he will change all misdemeanors of low-level possession of marijuana to a violation and his plans to seal any records related to the possession of the drug.
Albany lawmakers last month passed a bill which decriminalized the adult use of marijuana and amounts that you can possess. When signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo, anyone can possess two ounces or less of marijuana and receive only a violation. The governor has yet to sign it into law and even if he does, it will still take 30 days to take effect.
Flynn said he is changing enforcement of the law to help those who are planning to apply for financial aid or for those who are applying for a job.
To get a record sealed, you will need to file a motion with a judge. Flynn said the easiest way
A violation of the marijuana possession laws will result in a $50 fine.
Flynn still has concerns over the drug's legalization. He said the only two reasons to legalize it is for financial benefits and to end the disproportionate amount of minorities affected by the marijuana.
"Are we going to put the almighty tax dollars above the health and safety of our citizens," Flynn said.
The DA said the world won't end if marijuana is legalized but that he has concerns about the safety of the roads if it is legal.
To get a record sealed in court, Flynn advises using an attorney. You can also have it sealed in court without having to purchase a lawyer's services. To do this, he advises visiting the lawyer-of-the-day at the courthouse, who can help coordinate the paperwork. You will then file the motion with the court clerk.
