Prosecutors in California would be able to file misdemeanor charges instead of felonies in cases of simple possession of heroin, cocaine and other hard drugs under a measure sent by state lawmakers to Gov. Jerry Brown on Tuesday, according to the L.A. Times.
“SB 649 gives local governments the flexibility to choose reduced penalties so that they can reinvest in proven alternatives that benefit minor offenders and reserve limited jail space for serious criminals,” Sen. Mark Leno (D-San Francisco) said. Continue reading