 | NORML News: letters |
 Got any thoughts, ideas, compliments or criticism to share? Write to Norml News, PO Box 3307 Auckland or email news @ norml.org.nz
NORML News Summer 2003-4
Dear Norml,
I had never been arrested before this year, and managed to get done three times but get off them all.
On the 15th of January I was catching a ride home when we were pulled over and searched. I had 16 grams, 2 bullets and 2 joints.
Luckily I got interested in NORML straight away because on the 17th of Jan at Big Day Out of all days, two cops tried to search me. I refused and reminded them they can't invoke the Misuse of Drugs Act without reasonable cause. They arrested me anyway - for obstruction - cuffed me, searched me and found 2 joints. The Big Day Out turned into the big night in.
I challenged both cases and dragged them out. I got off the first one in June. I had no case but the police had to drop the charges as the evidence had been lost. In July I went up to Auckland for my defended hearing, again representing myself. The police hadn't tested the evidence so they remanded it again. I opposed it, but the judge ignored me so I demanded compensation when I won.
A week later my house was torn apart by police and I was charged with possession of 6 tinnies and a small container of weed. I was going to plead guilty, but after I went to the NORML conference I was inspired, so I thought I would give it a go. I said "not guilty, and I have reason to believe the informant had malicious intent and wish to have it disclosed to me." The judge wouldn't do that, and went to put it off again so I asked for a section 106 discharge without conviction (where the punishment outweighs the crime) and the judge went for that.
On 18 November I arrived at Auckland and when finally called the judge asked the police prosecutor to dismiss the charges. They wouldn't do it. I pointed out that the evidence had changed to three joints instead of two, and the judge urged them to drop it again, saying "tell your superiors I leant on you heavily". I didn't want to come back again so I said if they were dismissed today I wouldn't ask for compensation. The judge said to the police, "he's giving you guys a break." They still wouldn't drop it, so the judge said dismissing the charges for them.
At last, for the first time since the 15th of January I'm not remanded at large, and long may it remain that way!
Special thanks to Chris, Mark, people who stop for hitchhikers, and the police for not doing their jobs properly!
Spot on,
Stephen Hinchio, public relations for NORML in Napier
Nice one Steve! A 3-0 record is something to be proud of. It's a good sign that the judges are recognising the futility of convicting people for what is a victimless crime and should be legalised. Keep up the winning record!
Dear Editor,
I attended the last J-Day celebrations and after watching you guys in action, I was moved to write in. The irie feeling in the air was supplemented by generous doses of the kind herb. I noticed however by the NORML stand a small group of people asking the loyal campaigners give up their supplies of herb because "you guys must have heaps". I am a NORML member, and I challenge all other NORML members, next time they're at a NORML rally, to donate their own gift of ganja to the good folks at NORML, and share the weed, not take the weed.
Yours sincerely, Secret Gardener
Now that's what we like to hear! Yes, believe it or not, there are no vaults of marijuana for Norml activists to swim in. We have to find pot just like everyone else so of course any donations would be gratefully appreciated!
Hi! I made some home-made hash by attaching some silkscreen to an old picture frame and running some nice herb over the top. It's mostly crystals that fall through. I keep the herb in the freezer beforehand so it's not sticky, and the mirror helped me see what's going on. Next I'm going to find some really fine screen that I can use to wash the hash.
- John, Auckland
GOT GREAT BUDS? Send us the evidence for future Norml News and the New Zealand Green calendar. Post film or photos to Box 3307 Auckland or email digi photos to budshots @ norml.org.nz
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