Six months in prison for a joint?

Two marijuana legalization activists in Philadelphia are facing six months in federal prison and/or a $1000 fine for smoking a single marijuana joint in protest of federal cannabis prohibition laws at Independence Mall National Historic Park. The Eastern District of Pennsylvania US Attorney's office refused to allow Chris Goldstein and Don DeZarn to pay a simple fine, instead they must appear in Federal Magistrate Court on October 24, 2013 at 10:30AM.



Goldstein and DeZarn were cited twice in the last year during the monthly Smoke Down Prohibition protest in Philadelphia. Both have delivered speeches and then participated in planned civil disobedience actions. The rally takes place on an open area preserved for First Amendment activity and within sight of the Liberty Bell.



Goldstein and DeZarn do not deserve to be put in jail or on supervised probation for protesting America's unjust marijuana laws!



They will both need separate, highly qualified attorneys certified to practice in the local federal court. This fund is to cover BOTH Chris and Don's upcoming legal fees.



Very few simple marijuana possession cases go before federal courts each year. It is of vital importance to Chris, Don and to anyone arrested for marijuana possession to offer the most vigorous legal defense possible.



Further, the federal government should not make a practice of targeting marijuana reform activists for their harshest legal treatment.



Please make a donation today! Two top-level lawyers have agreed to start while we raise funds to pay them! Again the first court date is coming up fast 10/24/13 at 10:30AM.

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