STEVENS POINT, Wis. (WSAU) -- Stevens Point is changing the penalty for a first-time marijuana possession when the amount of the drug is less than five grams. Police Chief Kevin Ruder says the change was made to make the penalty the same in surrounding jurisdictions. “One of the reasons we’re getting it done is because (we can) be consistent with the enforcement that’s already being done in Plover and with the county.”
Ruder says they worked with District Attorney Louis Molepske, Junior to lessen the first offense penalties. “Quite frankly, the District Attorney’s office is backlogged with a lot of different issues. They promoted us following through with an ordinance like Plover and the county do to the fact that they were not having time to take care of these cases.”
The change not only makes the penalty the same, it will mean Stevens Point and Plover cases are treated equally when they are processed in their municipal court. The forfeiture is $300 dollars plus court costs. Any first offense with more than five grams or any subsequent offense will be charged as a criminal offense through the District Attorney.
The new ordinance will be published Friday, putting the new rule in effect 24 hours later.