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| County Attorney Corner By: Brendon Miller |
| TOP TEN WAYS TO AVOID GOING TO DISTRICT COURT 3-25-08
District Court is a high-volume court where most criminal proceedings, with the exception of felonies, are resolved. Since taking office in 2003, I have prosecuted just over 10,000 adult criminal cases in Breathitt District Court. According to the Breathitt Circuit Clerk, from January 1, 2003 through December 31, 2007, there have been approximately 5,855 traffic cases, 3,118 misdemeanor cases, and 1,117 preliminary felony cases that were filed and disposed of in District Court. That is a lot of cases, but still does not include juvenile criminal cases, child neglect and abuse cases, disability-guardianship matters, or civil child support cases that are also addressed in District Court by my office. Given those numbers, I would estimate nearly half of the charges heard in District Court could be avoided if people were more aware of some specific laws in Kentucky. Finding out that you’ve broken a law you have never heard of is more than a little frustrating. Ironically, many of these laws that people are unaware of or consider minor offenses could result in jail time. Most of these laws do not combat serious crimes that threaten the lives of others, but are simply procedures that allow our community to maintain order. Others may seem like minor offenses, but could lead to serious traffic accidents. Some of Kentucky’s simplest laws lead to court appearances and force some people to pay high fines and possibly spend time in jail. Therefore, in the spirit of both David Letterman and local celebrity Cluster Howard, here are my Top 10 Ways to Avoid District Court, save a lot of time and money and eliminate the possibility of jail time: 10.Buying and selling a vehicle. When buying or selling a car, KRS 186.190 outlines the correct procedure to ensure that the title is properly transferred. Take three items to the county clerk’s office: the title, an affidavit of the transfer and proof of insurance. The seller should bring the title. On the back of the title is an affidavit to transfer the title. Both buyer and seller must sign the affidavit, with both signatures being notarized. The buyer also must show proof of insurance for the vehicle to be purchased. This will ensure that the seller will no longer be charged for taxes on the vehicle and that the title is legally in the buyer’s name. Failure to do so is considered a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a $500 fine and/or 12 months in jail. 9.Junking a vehicle. If a vehicle is unfit for future use or junked, the owner of the vehicle should take the registration and license plate to the county clerk. The county clerk will return the plates and registration to the Transportation Cabinet, so that future taxes will not be owed on the vehicle. Failure of the vehicle owner to follow these procedures is a violation of KRS 186.190. This Class A misdemeanor is punishable by a $500 fine and/or up to 12 months in jail. 8.Wear your seat belt. In January 2007, Kentucky enacted a primary seat belt law, meaning people can be pulled over and cited for not wearing their seat belts. Even so, Kentucky’s seat belt usage rate is still below the national average of states having primary seat belt laws. Seat belts save lives and prevent injuries. Sixty-six percent of occupants killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2006 were not wearing seat belts. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is $25. 7.Display of registration renewal tag. All drivers must display their annual renewal tag on their license plates. They also must keep a copy of their registration receipts in their vehicle at all times. Failure to do so is a violation, which carries a fine of $250 to $500. 6.Change of address of driver’s license. After moving to a new residence, KRS 186.540 requires a person to change the address on his or her driver’s license at the circuit clerk’s office within 10 days. Those moving into Kentucky from another state have 30 days after establishing residency in Kentucky to apply for a Kentucky license with the circuit court in the county in which they reside. Failure to change address in the timeframe allotted could result in a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $250 maximum fine. 5.Change of name on driver’s license. Likewise, KRS 186.540 also applies to those changing their name after marriage. The law provides that the name on their driver’s license should be changed within 10 days by going to the circuit clerk’s office to request the change. Failure to do so is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum of 90 days in jail and/or a $250 maximum fine. 4.Never drive without your driver’s license. Those who drive without a license are in violation of KRS 186.510 and can be charged with a Class B misdemeanor. If that person can prove that he or she had been issued a license before the offense, the judge can dismiss the charges without a fine or imprisonment. 3.Carry proof of insurance in vehicle. Always carry proof of vehicle insurance and registration in your vehicle. Driving without liability insurance is a crime punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 90 days in jail, according to KRS 304.39-080. If the owner can prove that he or she had liability insurance at the time of the offense, but couldn’t show proof of it at the time, the judge can opt to reduce or dismiss the charges. Subsequent offenses increase the penalties and require the defendant to purchase a six-month policy in advance and provide proof to the court. 2.Obey traffic signals and signs. Drivers should come to a complete stop at STOP signs. Also, a yellow light does not give the driver authority to speed up. Slow down at yellow lights, anticipating the stop once the light turns red. Failure to regard traffic lights and signs is a violation carrying a $20 to $100 fine for the first offense. 1.Take your time; don’t speed. Most people speed because they are in a hurry to get somewhere. However, speeding saves the driver only minimal time. For example, in a 20-mile drive, a driver speeding 10 miles per hour over the speed limit would get to his or her destination 3 minutes earlier than if he or she did not speed. So, even if you are running late, speeding will not save enough time to make a big difference. More important, speeding is a factor in 30 percent of fatal accidents in our nation. The fine for speeding is $2 per mile an hour over the speed limit. Also, all of the above matters also carry court costs in the current amount of $138.00 per case. So, it is easy to suffer a pretty stiff penalty for matters that can easily be avoided. Following these laws is not difficult. It just takes a little forethought to save yourself a lot of frustration, a little money, and a day in court. If you have any questions about any of the above, or concerning the law in general, you are welcome to call my office at any time at (606) 666-3809. DISASTER PREPAREDNESS 2-7-08 Natural disasters are not a subject you would expect to find in a county attorney’s column about legal issues. However, preparation can save a lot of legal hassles in the event of a natural disaster that strikes either your homes or businesses. In Kentucky, natural disasters can take many forms: earthquakes, floods, tornadoes, ice storms, snowstorms and fires, to name a fewsome. Any of these disasters can leave victims open to crime, scams or identity theft. However, there are some steps you can take prior to the disaster that will protect your assets and your identity. First, get your legal affairs in order; this includes your will, living will, powers of attorney, durable powers of attorney, and other business and personal contracts. Next, find a safe place to keep important information. You might consider storing copies of them in a safe deposit box in an out-of-town bank. (The reason being, a natural disaster in your hometown is likely to hinder banking operations.) Some people feel better having their important documents in a fire-safe, waterproof box in their own homes. If you keep these documents at home, make sure you have quick and easy access to them if you need to leave quickly. You may even consider maintaining a copy of important information both at home and at the bank in case either were to be destroyed or damaged during the disaster. Having access to important information will be invaluable during and after a disaster. Store a photocopy of your most vital identity documents: Driver’s license Birth certificate Immigration/passport/visa documents Will Contracts Powers of attorney Living will Vehicle titles Deeds Credit cards Statements for banks and brokerage firms One copy of utility bills Inventory of your home’s contents Insurance policies Back-up of computer hard drive Marriage certificate Recent bank statements Health insurance cards Prescriptions Medicaid/Medicare information and other government-related information Military base access cards Also, store important phone numbers that you may need during and after a natural disaster: Insurance agent Credit card companies Utility companies Family and friends you will need to contact Physician Attorney Banks and brokerage firms Even a local telephone directory Unfortunately, a natural disaster may not be the only tragedy to befall you in an emergency. Scam artists have become quite adept at stealing the identities of natural disaster victims. You may have to prove your identity in order to receive assistance, restore utilities, obtain credit or even get back to your home after the disaster. Compiling this information may seem overwhelming at first. But, taken a step at a time over several weeks, this is not only feasible, but extraordinarily helpful in the event of an emergency. Remember planning ahead can head off many problems even if there were not to be a disaster. Overall questions concerning disaster preparedness may be directed to Breathitt County EMS Coordinator Chris Friley by calling (606) 666-3803. THE DANGERS of HOLIDAY DRIVING 12-18-07 Even for Breathitt Countians who are only driving across town or across the county, the holiday season brings about an increase in travel. From Thanksgiving weekend through New Year’s Day, thousands of Breathitt Countians will hit the roads of the Commonwealth for shopping, parties and family gatherings. The holidays are exciting, and for most, the best time of the year, as you get to spend time with family and friends. However, driving hazards are greatly increased this time of year. It may be all the gatherings or parties, or even the flip-side of depression and anger if things are not going well, but during the holidays, people are more likely to drive when they are distracted, tired, drugged or drunk. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, driving while distracted, or even driving when tired, is dangerous for the driver and his passengers, as well as anyone unfortunate enough to be on the roads at the same time. Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol After having as few as one or two drinks, drivers can be too impaired to drive. The legal limit is a blood alcohol content of .08, but driving after consuming any quantity of alcohol is extremely dangerous. The Kentucky General Assembly has continued to increase penalties for driving under the influence. Those convicted of a first-time offense face from 48 hours to 30 days in jail, a $200 to $500 fine, as well as a suspended driver’s license for 120 days. If aggravating circumstances exist, such as speed, high concentration of alcohol or having children in the vehicle, there is a mandatory minimum of 4 days to spend in jail. A person convicted of a second offense within five years face 7 days to 6 months in jail, a $350 to $500 fine, and a license suspension of 18 months. An aggravated second offense, has a minimum jail sentence of 14 days. A third offense within five years carries from 30 days to a year in jail, a $500 to $1,000 fine, and a 36 month license suspension. An aggravated third offense has a minimum jail sentence of 60 days. An aggravated offense of a second and third DUI, includes, in addition to the factors listed above, the refusal to take a breath, blood or urine test. A fourth offense within 5 years is a Class D Felony and is subject to 1 to 5 years in jail. In 2006, 188 people were killed and 3,107 were injured in the Commonwealth due to drivers under the influence of alcohol, according to the Kentucky State Police. I suggest that anyone simply commit to not drive if they have had even one drink. If someone is going to drink they need to have a plan on getting home or their final destination for the evening without driving. If you are going out in a group, make sure you choose someone as a designated driver. Drugged Driving A look at Kentucky Crash Data Reports from the Kentucky State Police reveals the danger that drugged drivers pose on Kentucky roads. Kentucky Crash Data for 2006 reports that more than 20 percent of vehicle accidents involved drugs. Of the 1,173 drug-related crashes in 2006, more than 86 percent resulted in injuries or fatalities. We hear a lot about alcohol DUIs, which is a serious problem, but studies show that while alcohol DUIs are decreasing, drugged driver DUIs are on a sharp increase. In fact, the Kentucky State Police Lab reported that, in 2006, 63 percent of all DUI cases tested positive for controlled substances. I have seen the same increase in DUIs here in Breathitt District Court. I estimate that over half, if not a greater percentage, of our DUI charges are DUI drugs. Those who take illegal or even prescription drugs with driving restrictions need to stay off the roads while those drugs are in their systems. It is important to note that you can be convicted of being DUI while driving on medicines that you are taking with a prescription. I prosecute those persons who are charged even though they have a prescription if there is evidence of impairment to the person and their driving ability. Breathitt District juries have returned convictions on the cases we have tried in this situation. Drivers need to take responsibility for their actions. It’s just common sense, please be careful. Driving while tired or distracted Many people do not grasp the seriousness of driving while districted or sleepy. We all have busy social and work schedules through the holidays, and this increases the likelihood that people will drive while they are distracted or sleepy. More than 58,000 collisions took place in Kentucky in 2006 as the result of a driver that was not paying attention, distracted, asleep or fatigued, according to the Kentucky State Police. Of those collisions in 2006, 237 involved a fatality. When you look at the statistics, more people were killed in crashes due to falling asleep, inattention or being distracted than were killed due to drunk drivers, however, many people seem to think it is okay to drive under these conditions. Drivers should avoid driving in these dangerous situations. The following are suggested: Ÿ Do not drive during an illness. Ÿ Do not drive if taking medication that causes drowsiness or dizziness. Ÿ Drive only when well rested. Drivers who feel tired should take a nap or ask someone else to drive. Ÿ Avoid driving during times when you normally would be asleep, such as night, the early morning or during the early afternoon, when many people become tired. Ÿ Avoid driving after eating a moderate to heavy meal or drinking any alcohol. Ÿ Drive no longer than two hours without a break of at least 20 minutes. Ÿ Try to make sure passengers are situated and comfortable before your drive. Those of you who have small children like I do, should have snacks, drinks, books, movies, or games for them to play. Many accidents occur when drivers are attempting to tend to small children. The holiday season accounts for many injuries and collisions on Kentucky roads that can be avoided. I believe that DUI is the dumbest crime that any person can ever commit. It just takes common sense and a little planning and lives can be saved. We all must respect the privileges and dangers associated with driving. Our lives and the lives of fellow motorists depend on it. I, along with Elizabeth, Carson, and Evan, and everyone at the County Attorney’s Office, Imogene, Stanley, Tracey, Mary, Lisa, Penny, and Joy, wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and an overall safe and fulfilling holiday season. No Pass/No Drive Law impacts teenage drivers Parents looking for another way to get their teenagers out of bed and on their way to school have some additional help now, thanks to a law passed by the Kentucky General Assembly earlier this year. The No Pass/No Drive Law went into effect in June and states that all students ages 16 and 17 who received their driver’s licenses after Aug. 1 of this year must continually “earn” their driving privileges by staying in school and passing their classes. In my opinion, this law is a natural fit and will assist in the ongoing problems with truancy and drop outs. Most teenagers have a strong desire for the independence that comes with being able to drive. Now they can show that they are responsible enough to drive by fulfilling their responsibilities to attend and do acceptably well in school. Hopefully, this law will be a motivator for kids to stay in school. The law addresses both attendance and academics. Specifically, the law states that students ages 16 and 17 can lose their driver’s licenses, intermediate licenses, or learner’s permits if they have nine or more unexcused absences from school, or if they drop out altogether. Students also must pass at least four classes each semester to meet the requirements of the law. If a student does not meet the law’s requirements, then the superintendent must report the student to the Transportation Cabinet within 10 days of receiving notification of a student’s failure to meet requirements. From there, the student has an opportunity to prove he or she deserves a license, despite allegedly not meeting the law’s guidelines. It would, however, require some work and some extenuating circumstances. To get a student’s license reinstated, the student’s parent or guardian must request a hearing in district court. The license could be reinstated if the court finds any of the following: The license is needed to meet family obligations or family economic considerations, thus causing an undue hardship; The student is the only licensed driver in the home; or The student actually is not a dropout or academically deficient. The court’s decision can be appealed within 30 days to circuit court. A student whose license has been revoked can reapply for his or her driver’s license after enrolling and completing one semester of school successfully, according to the law’s requirements. To regain a driver’s license, the student must pass at least four courses. The student must provide proof issued by the school within 60 days that he or she is enrolled and is not academically deficient. I hope all students realize that in today’s society, getting a high school diploma is a must. I hope this law further emphasizes how important an education is and encourages kids to stay in school. If you have any questions about this law, contact my office at either 666-3809 or 666-4400. Back-to-school preparations should include brushing up on the law As back-to-school time has now arrived in Breathitt County, thoughts turn to stylish backpacks full of pencils and paper, new school clothes and the upcoming football season. fines, jail time and court appearances are rarely associated with school, but without proper caution and preparation, Breathitt Countians could find those all-too-intimidating flashing blue lights in their rearview mirrors this school year. My two boys are not old enough to begin school yet, however, whether you have children in school or not, this time of year affects all of us. There are safety considerations and even laws to consider during the school year. Safety considerations are paramount—especially at the beginning of the school year when we are all getting used to school being back in session. School zones During the summer months, we may find ourselves driving a little faster through school zones. We also forget about school buses and the need to stop for them. Now is the time to start thinking about those laws again. Motorists need to pay attention to school zone speed limits. A law that took effect in 2004 doubled the fines for motorists caught speeding in school zones. The actual cost of the ticket will be determined by how fast the motorist is driving in the school zone, but the reality is that the ticket will cost twice as much as an ordinary speeding ticket. School bus zones Most accidents involving buses occur while children are either getting on or getting off of the bus. Under Kentucky law, motorists traveling in any direction must stop while the school bus is loading or unloading passengers with its red flashing lights and stop sign arm extended. Even with this law, children can still be harmed accidentally. Motorists should use extreme caution when approaching a school bus. The following are some suggestions: Remain alert. Children may dart suddenly in front of cars without notice. Minimize distractions. Do not accept or make cell phone calls; do not apply makeup; do not search for lost items or attempt to deal with children in the back seat while driving. Be prepared for stopped or slowed traffic. Motorists may experience delays or even sudden stops in school zones or when following a bus. Follow all posted signs and traffic lights. Always stop for a school bus that has stopped to load or unload passengers. When people are in a hurry, waiting on a school bus seems like a big deal, but when comes to the safety of our children, I believe we all agree that our children are worth the wait. Truancy In the last two years, Kentucky’s truancy laws have been beefed up in an effort to not only get kids in school, but also to get them there on time. Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence from school. Under Kentucky law, a child who misses three or more days or is tardy without a valid excuse on three or more occasions is truant. Students who miss school or are tardy for six unexcused days are considered habitually truant. Once a child is labeled a habitual truant, the school could turn the complaint over to District Court (and when our new Family Court is up and running, to Family Court). The parents could face fines and even jail time if the child continues to be truant. Parents who intentionally fail to comply with attendance laws by allowing their children to become habitual truants can be charged with failing to send their child to school and fined $100 for a first offense and $250 for a second offenses, and on the third offense can be prosecuted as a Class B Misdemeanor with the possibility of 90 days in jail and a $250.00 fine. If the habitual truant is aged 18-21 years old, he or she can be fined $100-$250 in lieu of their parents being fined. Those who knowingly assist or cause a minor to become a habitual truant can be charged with unlawful transaction with a minor in the third degree, which is a Class A Misdemeanor. Class A Misdemeanors carry a 90-day to 12-month jail sentence and/or up to a $500 fine. The charge of unlawful transaction with a minor often confuses people because they assume the unlawful transaction is dealing with drugs, alcohol or sex, and when dealing with the first and second degrees of an unlawful transaction with a minor charge, that is correct. But the third degree charge stipulates habitual truancy, as well as other offenses regarding minors. Charging those who contribute to habitual truancy so severely is warranted, as studies have shown that truancy can lead to other problems, such as delinquent behavior, substance abuse, gang activity and criminal activity. If we can keep kids in school, they can avoid a host of criminal problems later in life. Laws pertaining to our schools are fairly straightforward. Whether it’s safety concerns or truancy issues, most everyone would agree that our laws are intended to promote the immediate safety and long-term welfare of Kentucky children. I hope all of you have a safe, healthy, and productive school year. Community plays role in reducing juvenile violence When it comes to violence among our youth, the number of days that will live in infamy continues to increase: Dec. 1, 1997: Michael Carneal killed three students and wounded five others at Heath High School in Paducah; April 20, 1999: Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold killed 13 people and themselves at Columbine High School in Colorado; And now April 16, 2007: Seung-Hui Cho killed himself and 32 others at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va. Since the mass shooting at Virginia Tech, communities across the United States are once again facing the reality of violence among its young members. The Virginia Tech tragedy is a reminder to all of us—parents, teachers, school administrators and law enforcement in Breathitt County that we need to have precautions in place to not only inform those at risk of dangerous situations, but also to prevent violence as best we can. As county attorney, my office prosecutes juvenile crime and abuse cases and spends a considerable amount of time dealing with fussing, fighting, harassment and threatening cases. We have a real opportunity to prevent crime among juvenile offenders—before they cause harm to their communities and before they become hardened criminals. Community members and those in daily contact with students can play an important role in recognizing the warning signs of a potentially violent juvenile. A juvenile who exhibits these characteristics may be at risk of developing more violent behavior: Depression or mood swings Obsession with violent games and/or televisions shows Disregard for rules Lack of anger-control skills Lack of interest in school Cruelty to pets Artwork or writing that is violent in nature Always viewing self as the victim Intense interest in weapons and violence Takes a weapon to school or talks about taking a weapon to school Interest in gangs History of bullying peers or younger children History of being bullied by others Isolation from family and friends Unwarranted jealousy Juveniles exhibiting several of these warning signs may be at potential risk of violent behavior. Anyone recognizing such signs should seek help for the child through the school system or by reporting the behavior to authorities. Many children who resort to violent behavior may have suffered neglect or abuse as younger children. This is a reason it is so important to report suspected child abuse. If we can get the child out of a violent family situation early, the child will be less likely to model that violent behavior in our society later in life. In addition to improving the lives of juveniles, a community that invests in its youngest members will reap the benefits in years to come in the form of a safer society, productive citizens and the economic savings of crime reduction. Let’s all work together and hope the next such tragedy does not take place here in our community. Illegal drugs As much as society has heard about the ongoing “War on Drugs,” drugs are probably the single most prominent problem here in Eastern Kentucky. In fact, in 2005, 16 percent of all arrests in Kentucky were for violations of the state’s drug laws, according to the Kentucky State Police 2005 Crime Data Report. The statistics are alarming, but the reality is even worse. Drugs are the basis that feed other types of crime. I prosecute misdemeanor offenses in Breathitt District Court, and virtually all cases, other than simple traffic offenses, are drug related. The addiction and the need for more drugs propel people into lives of committing crime after crime in order to get more drugs. Drug and alcohol abuse figure into most all domestic violence, theft, and harassment, threatening, assault type cases. As well, the presence of drugs figure into most all of the cases involving child abuse and neglect and some juvenile issues. Because drug violations are so prevalent, Kentucky has provided for and our Circuit Court currently has a special drug court designed to provide intensive judicial supervision of those with drug problems. People are referred to Drug Court and Circuit Judge Frank Allen Fletcher oversees those persons. The ‘16 percent of arrests’ statistic equates to nearly 47,000 drug violations each year. That would mean 47,000 fewer court cases and 47,000 lives that are not enslaved to drugs. This would also save millions of dollars for the citizens who pay taxes to support drug treatment and fund courts, as well as help those who suffer property damage and other crimes at the hands of drug addicts. Many people have commented to me that they feel helpless when it comes to solving the state’s drug problem. However, everyone can take an active role in ridding the community of drugs. My first recommendation is always to start with your own family. There are very few, if any, families here in Breathitt County that have not been affected by drugs. Every parent or caretaker of a child must begin teaching their children early in life the dangers of drug use and how easily one can become addicted. One experimentation can be enough to become addicted. Citizens should look in the community for suspicious activity. For example, if you have a neighbor who receives several visitors for short periods of time each day, I would consider that suspicious activity that should be reported to the police. I encourage everyone to report such suspicious behavior a soon as it is detected. You may call the Kentucky State Police, Sheriff, or Jackson Police Department. Additionally, you may always contact my office and make reports, and the information will be immediately passed on to law enforcement. You may do so anonymously. Beyond that, it is imperative for people to become involved with the legislative process. You should not be afraid to call or write your legislator in support of bills that are tough on drug users. The harder we make it to obtain drugs, the fewer problems we’ll see from drug addicts. There are currently several bills pending this legislative session regarding drugs. Senate Bill 67 Senate Bill 67 states that, in effect, drivers with traces of controlled substances in their blood are presumed to be under the influence of those drugs and are, therefore, guilty of DUI. Senate Bill 67 does provide an absolute defense to an offender who is driving with a legally prescribed controlled substance in his/her blood, as long as the driver is following the prescribed dosage and the proper driving restrictions. This bill seeks to change current law to include the same punishments for drugged drivers as for those who drive with an illegal amount of alcohol in their systems. It also will reduce the DUI aggravating blood-alcohol content from .18 to .15. Senate Bill 129 Senate Bill 129 will make it a violation of state law if a person knowingly possesses a vehicle with a false, hidden or secret compartment intended to conceal illegal items from law enforcement. The bill will also allow officers to keep unclaimed property or money from drug seizures if no one comes forward. Senate Bill 88 Senate Bill 88 holds pharmacies, as well as physicians, consumers and “internet brokers,” accountable for their involvement in illegal drug trafficking. The bill will require an in-person examination of a patient before controlled substances can be prescribed. This legislation will also connect Kentucky pharmacies electronically, so that individuals who are purchasing pseudophedrine from numerous sources can be immediately identified. Senate Bill 34 Senate Bill 34 will require the Department of Corrections to operate an intensive, secured substance abuse recovery program for substance abusers. It will require pre-trial screening of felony substance abuse offenders and will allow testing and treatment as a condition of pre-trial release. Senate Bill 66 Senate Bill 66 establishes that a person is guilty of possession of a controlled substance in the first degree if the person has that drug in his/her system. Each of us play a crucial role in leveling the playing field for law enforcement and prosecutors in dealing with those who use drugs illegally. Please take an active role in fighting illegal drugs. |