Colin Jeffery
Some Missouri lawmakers want to reduce pot penalties
Thursday, 07 February 2013 13:35 Published in Local News
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - Some Missouri House Democrats are looking to reduce the punishment for marijuana possession.
Under a bill outlined Thursday, first-time offenders for marijuana possession would be allowed to do community service and avoid jail. If offenders complete the sentence, the convictions would be removed from their record.
Rep. Rory Ellinger, a criminal defense attorney and Democrat from St. Louis, said the legislation would help people with marijuana convictions in their youth get jobs later by not having to disclose the conviction.
Ellinger said the measure could save the state money by keeping first-time drug offenders out of jail.
The new sentencing structure would apply only to people carrying less than 35 grams of marijuana.
Under a bill outlined Thursday, first-time offenders for marijuana possession would be allowed to do community service and avoid jail. If offenders complete the sentence, the convictions would be removed from their record.
Rep. Rory Ellinger, a criminal defense attorney and Democrat from St. Louis, said the legislation would help people with marijuana convictions in their youth get jobs later by not having to disclose the conviction.
Ellinger said the measure could save the state money by keeping first-time drug offenders out of jail.
The new sentencing structure would apply only to people carrying less than 35 grams of marijuana.
Man admits to kidnapping and attempted rape
Thursday, 07 February 2013 13:33 Published in Local News
A St. Louis man has admitted to kidnapping and trying to rape a 15-year-old girl early last year.
Charles Smith said he grabbed the girl was she was walking to her bus stop on February 6 of last year. Smith forced her into his car at knife-point and drove her a few blocks away. That is when he ripped off the teen's pants and shoes. She was able to fight him off and got help from a passing driver.
Prosecutors will ask for life in prison when Smith is sentenced in April.
Charles Smith said he grabbed the girl was she was walking to her bus stop on February 6 of last year. Smith forced her into his car at knife-point and drove her a few blocks away. That is when he ripped off the teen's pants and shoes. She was able to fight him off and got help from a passing driver.
Prosecutors will ask for life in prison when Smith is sentenced in April.
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Governor Nixon asks for $10 million more in mental health funding
Wednesday, 06 February 2013 17:43 Published in Local News
Governor Jay Nixon's new budget includes 10 million dollars in additional mental health funding, a plan he believes will keep Missouri communities safer.
Nixon met with law enforcement officers, educators, and mental health professionals to discuss the proposal today. The new money will be used to identify those with mental health issues before they reach a crisis point.
The Missouri Department of Mental Health estimates that 1,100 people could be assisted through this initiative each year.
Nixon met with law enforcement officers, educators, and mental health professionals to discuss the proposal today. The new money will be used to identify those with mental health issues before they reach a crisis point.
The Missouri Department of Mental Health estimates that 1,100 people could be assisted through this initiative each year.
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