On Sept 10, and approximately 9:30 p.m., police arrested Charles Dossantos, 38, of Dodgington Rd, Bethel, for an outstanding warrant for failing to respond to an infraction. Police initially stopped Dossantos on Jan. 15, 2012 and issued him an infraction for possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Dossantos was processed at the Newtown Police Department for the following violations: Failure to Respond, Possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana, and Possession of drug paraphernalia. Dossantos was released from custody after posting a $310 cash bond. His court date is set for Sept 25.
Information received from the Connecticut Prevention Network states that while marijuana has been decriminalized, there are still serious penalties for possession, particularly for those under 21 years of age.
- First Offense is $150 fine
- Second Offense $200-$500 fine
- Third and subsequent offense is Drug Education Program paid for by offender.
- Under 21, driver's license suspended for 60 days
- Under 18, found guilty of infraction, regardless of the quantity of marijuana. Go through the juvenile justice system, and parents and guardians will be involved.
