Other News for October 6, 2022--

Other News for October 6, 2022 –

October Surprise: Preident Biden Announces He Is "Pardoning All Prior Federal Offenses of Simple Marijuana Possession"! Wow!

Statement from President Biden on Marijuana Reform: October 6, 2022

STATEMENTS AND RELEASES

As I often said during my campaign for President, no one should be in jail just for using or possessing marijuana. Sending people to prison for possessing marijuana has upended too many lives and incarcerated people for conduct that many states no longer prohibit. Criminal records for marijuana possession have also imposed needless barriers to employment, housing, and educational opportunities. And while white and Black and brown people use marijuana at similar rates, Black and brown people have been arrested, prosecuted, and convicted at disproportionate rates.

Today, I am announcing three steps that I am taking to end this failed approach.

First, I am announcing a pardon of all prior Federal offenses of simple possession of marijuana. I have directed the Attorney General to develop an administrative process for the issuance of certificates of pardon to eligible individuals. There are thousands of people who have prior Federal convictions for marijuana possession, who may be denied employment, housing, or educational opportunities as a result. My action will help relieve the collateral consequences arising from these convictions.

Second, I am urging all Governors to do the same with regard to state offenses. Just as no one should be in a Federal prison solely due to the possession of marijuana, no one should be in a local jail or state prison for that reason, either.

Third, I am asking the Secretary of Health and Human Services and the Attorney General to initiate the administrative process to review expeditiously how marijuana is scheduled under federal law. Federal law currently classifies marijuana in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act, the classification meant for the most dangerous substances. This is the same schedule as for heroin and LSD, and even higher than the classification of fentanyl and methamphetamine – the drugs that are driving our overdose epidemic.

Finally, even as federal and state regulation of marijuana changes, important limitations on trafficking, marketing, and under-age sales should stay in place.

Too many lives have been upended because of our failed approach to marijuana. It’s time that we right these wrongs.

COMMENT:

We can help you with your Marijuana Pardon. Also, anyone who believes they may have a Taylor, Concepcion, Ruan, Bruen, Earned Time Credit problems or any other claim you believe you may have relief coming for or just want to see if we can find something that will gain you relief should opt for a Written Case Evaluation. With regard to the decision in Quiroz, we have been in front of Judge Counts of several occasions in Midland-Odessa, Texas. It is not surprising that he wrote such an opinion.

Another slow week for favorable cases. There were 8 new compassionate release motions granted this week. There were also 6 Fair Sentencing Act motions for reduction of sentence granted this week. In the last two months, we have had released four (4) people. Three on compassionate release motions and one on a § 2255 motion. Anyone who thinks that they may qualify for compassionate release or any other part of the First Step Act should request a Written Case Evaluation. There are a number of contexts we have had granted showing “extraordinary and compelling reasons” for compassionate release. For the last 27 years, we have also been very successful on direct appeals, 2255 motions and 2241 Petitions, First Step Act, Compassionate Release Motions, DC Superior Court, State Post Conviction, Clemencies, Parole Packages. We also can help you with Earned Time Credits and other specialized motions.

If you are serious about fighting your case and want us to evaluate your case to see if you may have relief coming, request a Written Case Evaluation.