Alameda Co. DA Seeks To Dismiss 5,900 Marijuana Convictions

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA -- Nearly 6,000 marijuana convictions in Alameda County could be dismissed with the help of the District Attorney's Office. District Attorney Nancy O’Malley on Tuesday said her office has identified 5,900 cases that are eligible for dismissal.

O'Malley said about 5,000 individuals have "suffered from those convictions."

The possible dismissal of the marijuana convictions come as California has welcomed the recreational use of the drug this year. In November 2016, voters passed Proposition 64 to legalize cannabis.

The law further establishes protocols for redesignating, dismissing and sealing old convictions, prompting the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office to immediately established a policy, protocol, and a process to redesignate and dismiss prior cannabis-related convictions.

“California is offering a second chance to people convicted of cannabis crimes, from felonies to small infractions, with the opportunity to have their criminal records cleared,” O’Malley said. “We join our State officials and intend to reverse decades of cannabis convictions that can be a barrier for people to gain meaningful employment.”

From November 2016 through December 31, 2017, 609 petitions have been calendared and granted in Alameda County Superior Court, the District Attorney's Office said.

The office has established a protocol for handling these matters.

--Photo courtesy of Alameda County