CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) - Activists in Charlottesville aren't giving up on softening marijuana possession laws in the city, and they may have won an ally.
Councilor Kristin Szakos tells the Daily Progress she may reconsider her position on marijuana after talking it over with a local attorney, Jeffrey Fogel. He says people should not go to jail for possessing marijuana.
Those convicted of possession of marijuana in Virginia face a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail.
Fogel says it's "outrageous" to jail anyone for marijuana possession. He says the Charlottesville City Council has the authority to reduce the punishment for marijuana possession, removing the threat of jail.
Some council members previously expressed concern that softening marijuana laws could send the wrong message to children.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Information from: The Daily Progress, http://www.dailyprogress.com
