Manhattan District Attorney to stop prosecuting low-level marijuana cases in August

In an attempt to lessen racial disparities in the New York justice system.

May 16, 2018
Manhattan District Attorney to stop prosecuting low-level marijuana cases in August Luis Robayo / AFP / Getty Images

Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr announced on Tuesday that his office will cease to prosecute most minor marijuana cases. The decision follows a comprehensive six month study, published this month, of "jurisdictions where marijuana is no longer criminally prosecuted." The "Decline To Prosecute" act kicks in August 1.

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"The dual mission of the Manhattan DA's office is a safer New York and a more equal justice system," Vance said in a press release Tuesday. "The ongoing arrest and criminal prosecution of predominantly black and brown New Yorkers for smoking marijuana serves neither of these goals."

A New York Times piece published last weekend revealed black people are arrested roughly fifteen times more than white people under marijuana charges in Manhattan.

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Vance noted that his office is "in discussions with the Mayor and Police Commissioner to consider limited exceptions to this policy." Following the news, Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez posted a brief response, which you can read below.

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Manhattan District Attorney to stop prosecuting low-level marijuana cases in August