Article: Council increases marijuana fine.(Crime)(The stiffer penalty aims at steering offenders into a diversion program)

Byline: Jeff Wright The Register-Guard

The cost of getting caught with even a tiny amount of marijuana in Eugene will more than double next month.

On a 6-1 vote and with little discussion, the Eugene City Council on Monday increased the maximum fine for possession of less than one ounce of marijuana to $250 from the current $100. The new amount goes into effect March 12.

The change was sought by Eugene Municipal Court Judge Wayne Allen, who said the higher penalty is needed to motivate offenders to enroll in a new diversion program. Those who take the diversion will pay about $100 and be required to attend an all-day class.

Allen said ...

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