Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby has ordered the dismissal of pending charges for certain crimes as the city tries to get a handle of the coronavirus pandemic.
What We Know:
- Many of those charges would include possession of drugs including heroin, attempted distribution of any drug, prostitution, trespassing, minor traffic offenses, open container, and urinating in public.
- The goal behind these sorts of dropped charges is an attempt to limit the exposure of COVID-19 and reduce the possibility of an outbreak for those jailed. The crimes are considered not a risk to public safety, allowing for the alleged offenders to be released before trial, the Baltimore Sun reported.
- Out of all of those who have charges pending, many are currently not jailed. Additional efforts from Mosby include a letter to Gov. Larry Hogan, which she requested that he expedite the release of inmates. Particularly those over the age of 60.
- Mosby made headlines in January for announcing that she would stop prosecuting people for possession of marijuana, no matter the amount. She cited evidence showing that marijuana arrests disproportionately hinder Baltimore’s African American neighborhoods.
- According to a report from WBAL-TV, Gov. Hogan has yet to respond to the call of release from Mosby.
In another announcement, Hogan moved the Maryland primary elections from April 28 to June 2 as another effort to contain the spread of the virus.
