King County Prosecutor's Office dismissing misdemeanor marijuana possession cases


November 9, 2012 · 3:44 PM

The King County Prosecutor's Office announced Friday that it will dismiss all of its misdemeanor marijuana possession cases as a result of the passage of Initiative 502 Tuesday legalizing marijuana possession of one ounce or less in Washington State.

Friday's decision will impact 175 King County cases that are currently filed or referred for filing involving people age 21 and older who possessed one ounce or less of marijuana. With the passage of I-502, marijuana possession of one ounce or less by individuals age 21 and older will become legal in the State of Washington on Dec. 6.

King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg said that, in light of Tuesday's vote, dismissing these cases is the right thing to do.

"Although the effective date of I-502 is not until Dec. 6, there is no point in continuing to seek criminal penalties for conduct that will be legal next month," Satterberg said.

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