Justice For James

Hi, my name is James Forro and we, my wife, attorney, and self are starting this fundraiser to raise money for a much needed Criminal Law Attorney.

Here’s what’s going on right now in Ohio’s criminal trial courts: (1) A person has a medical marijuana card, (2) He is later convicted of a crime, (3) The judge sentences the person to probation, and (4) The judge does not allow the person to use medical marijuana while on probation. If the person uses medical marijuana, then the judge can throw that person in prison.

I am going through this exact ordeal right now in Portage County, Ohio. I have epilepsy and chronic pain, so I got a medical marijuana card. Later I was convicted of a 4th degree felony that did not involve physical violence or drugs. I was sentenced to probation for 5 years. The Honorable Rebecca “Becky” L. Doherty of the Portage County trial court will not allow me to use medical marijuana. Medical marijuana is the only thing that controls my seizures . . . without medical marijuana I might die. And with 4 more years on probation it is highly probable...

A small group of pro-medical marijuana activists and attorneys have taken my case pro bono . . . for free. My legal team is convinced that the trial court’s probation violates the Ohio Constitution’s law against “cruel and unusual punishment.” My case is now on appeal at the 11th District Ohio Court of Appeals (case # 2022 PA 00014). If we win this case, then this will help every Ohio medical marijuana patient.

While I am seeking justice in the higher courts, I am still under the authority of the trial court and is still not allowed to use medical marijuana. I continue to live in constant fear that the judge will throw me in jail. Therefore, I am in need of a criminal defense lawyer who can keep me out of jail while my appeal is going on. This costs money. My family and me are seeking to raise $3,000 so that we can afford a criminal defense lawyer to keep me out of jail. Please help.

*Picture of courtroom with Marijuana is Still Illegal Sign