Lawful resolution achieved in the case. - After 24 releases, cannabis has partially been legalized.
With the legalization of cannabis in parts of Bavaria, 24 prisoners were released by April 1st. This was done after a review of over 29,000 files by public prosecutors. The authorities needed to identify convicts who met the new limits for cannabis possession. The enforcement of unpaid fines was suspended as well. Many cases required the re-evaluation of previous sentences, as the individuals had also been found guilty of other crimes.
From April 1st, adults in Germany can keep up to 50 grams of marijuana or hashish at home, and a maximum of 25 grams outside. Distribution and sale are still illegal. Commencing July 1st, members of certain clubs could grow cannabis collectively. At home, growing three plants is permissible. This new law was tied to an amnesty regulation for past offenses. However, Bavaria is adopting a stricter approach in the implementation of the new rules.
Over 2,500 cases of re-evaluating sentences were pending in courts by April 30th, with over 700 already resolved. It's impossible to determine the number of early releases due to these reviews.
Minister Eisenreich of CSU criticized the significant burden on the justice system caused by the cannabis law. He claimed the federal government unnecessarily burdened the legal system when it should be alleviated. The public prosecutors continue to submit files identified as mixed cases for review by the appropriate court. The court then determines the sentence using a decree.
The main challenge, according to the ministry, is the requirement that the defendants be legally heard before a decision is made. However, in some cases, the defendants' current locations are unknown, making it difficult for the courts to contact them. Investigations to locate these individuals are not always successful. If the convicted person is in a different country, a complex request for legal assistance may be necessary.
