What is decriminalization and how does it differ from legalization?
A.Decriminalization is the reduction or removal of criminal penalties associated with certain criminal acts. It is a response to a changing society and associated morals and beliefs. For example, the general consensus of society may be that the act is no longer harmful, should no longer be criminalized, or should not be a matter addressed by the justice system. Decriminalization does not make the act legal; rather it may replace jail-time with fines or regulate the act in other, less stringent ways. Legalization, on the other hand, removes most or all legal regulation from a previously criminal act. Whereas decriminalized acts remain technically illegal, legalization changes the law to make the act legal. Laws are constantly changing, both in statute and enforcement. An experienced criminal defense attorney follows these changes, and should be consulted immediately if you are arrested and/or charged with a crime.
