David Seman: Advocating in Court to End Unlawful Marijuana Arrests

Take Action: http://bit.ly/nyarrests

David Seman is a Legal Aid Attorney in NYC. In Winter 2011, David successfully defended a young man of color who was falsely arrested and charged with marijuana possession in public view. Police make these arrests by exploiting a "loophole" in the law. Oftentimes, the police demand that people -- usually young people of color -- empty their pockets, and when they do, the violation for marijuana possession turns into an arrestable misdemeanor for marijuana in public view. In this case, the judge found that the arresting police officer was inaccurate in his account and found the defendant, not guilty. Although many people arrested for marijuana possession are charged with crimes they did not commit, most do not fight their charges in court because of the laborious process of navigating the criminal justice system.

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[steelbreeze420]

Good job Dave...thank you!!!!

[PunkHippie1971]

I deeply appreciate that there are people out there, like yourself, who understand law that can defend those who fall victim to these terrible arrests. I've seen so many friends and people go through such hell just to get their freedom back after these charges. It really does mean a lot. Please keep doing what you're doing.