Santa Fe's city judge is dismissing citations issued by police for misdemeanor marijuana violations because the City Council has decided that people possessing small amounts of pot should instead be charged with a civil infraction.
The Santa Fe New Mexican reports that city employees were caught by surprise when the council August approved a new ordinance outright instead of having voters decide the issue.
The new ordinance took effect in September, but city employees didn't have new forms ready to charge violators with a civil infraction instead of a criminal violation.
Municipal Court Judge Ann Yalman says she's been dismissing citations filed under the old law because she no longer has jurisdiction.
Police say they'll stop sending misdemeanor citations to Municipal Court.
Information from: Santa Fe New Mexican.
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