There is no denying that Kentucky’s drug and criminal justice policies are too punitive. This year, it was estimated that state prisons will officially run out of jail space with an inability to take in new inmates. Many jails are at 150-200% capacity with some local jails reaching as high as 300% capacity. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth has spared no mercy in making marijuana arrests. Approximately 16 arrests are made every day for marijuana related charges. There are actually more arrests for pot violations than arrests for violent crimes such as homicide, arson, and forcible sex. Decriminalizing marijuana would help to end mass incarceration and free up prison space.
Decriminalization would also put an end to institutionalized racism. Despite usage rates being relatively equal between races, African Americans are six times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than White Americans in Kentucky. The racial divide in arrests has increased 145.8% since 2001.
For theses reasons, the attorneys at Baldani Law Group have put together a petition calling for the decriminalization of marijuana in Kentucky. “This is something we feel very strongly about,” remarked attorney Brad Clark. “The current justice system badly needs reform. Commonwealth residents overwhelmingly support marijuana decriminalization and we think it’s time the government listened to the people and took this issue seriously.”
A bill had been introduced to legalize medical marijuana this year. The house overwhelmingly voted in favor of the bill, but no further action was taken. The attorneys at Baldani Law Group hope that the petition will ignite a greater conversation around decriminalization and show law makers that this matter should be given more priority in 2020.
You can sign the petition here and read more about why the firm feels decriminalization should be a priority here. The firm hopes those who are passionate about reform will join in supporting the petition and spreading the word. Together, we can decriminalize marijuana in Kentucky.
About Baldani Law Group: Baldani Law Group is a criminal defense law firm located in Lexington, KY. The firm has strived to provide large firm resources with small firm attention to those who need legal representation the most. Outside of the courtroom, the attorneys at Baldani Law Group actively advocate for better criminal justice reform. To learn more about the firm, click here.
