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Basketball Players Arrested for Misdemeanor Drug Possession in Florida

marijuana

Drug laws in Florida are confusing, especially when it comes to marijuana. Some states legalize it, while others don’t. Even though marijuana is not as harmful as other drugs, possession of small amounts can lead to criminal charges. In some cases, it can lead to a felony, which can affect many aspects of a person’s life for a long time.

Two NBA players were recently arrested for possessing marijuana in Florida. The basketball players—Richaun Holmes from the Phoenix Suns and James Webb III, formerly of the Brooklyn Nets—were arrested on May 21 after getting pulled over by police in Aventura.

During the traffic stop, authorities found a marijuana joint in the vehicle. The 25-year-old men were both arrested and put in jail in Miami. They spent several hours in jail before posting bond. They face charges of misdemeanor possession of cannabis. Holmes will be a free agent this upcoming NBA season, while Webb is currently playing basketball in Germany.

Florida Marijuana Laws

Many states legalized marijuana use years ago. Florida has been a little behind. In 2016, Florida residents voted in favor of medical marijuana. However, Governor Rick Scott repealed the law and banned all forms of marijuana use.

That changed just a few months ago. Medical marijuana is now decriminalized in Florida. There are now 34 states that allow medical marijuana. In Florida, a person can possess marijuana if they suffer from medical conditions such as cancer, AIDS, epilepsy, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, ALS, Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, seizures and PTSD.

Marijuana is not legal for recreational use in Florida. Even a small amount can result in a misdemeanor charge. A misdemeanor may be punished by a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail. Possession or distribution of more than 20 grams of the drug is considered a felony. Depending on the amount of marijuana involved, the prison sentence could range from 3-30 years. Fines may range from $5,000 to $200,000. Any drug crime can cause a person to lose their driver’s license for a period of one year.

Drug crimes are no laughing matter. A felony conviction can affect a person far beyond criminal penalties. A person can lose their professional license due to a felony. They can also lose their constitutional rights, such as the right to own a firearm. A person’s employment and housing status can also be affected by such a crime.

Seek Help for Your Criminal Defense Case

Drug cases are often punished harshly—even ones involving small amounts of marijuana. Make sure you are aware of the drug laws in your state before you decide to use them. If you have been charged with drug possession or distribution, you could face misdemeanor or even felony charges. The penalties can be long-lasting.

Don’t handle such a case on your own. Get help from the Dade City possession of marijuana attorneys at Madonna Law Group. We will assess your situation and defend you from the drug charges you face. Schedule a consultation today. Call our office at (800) 557-0411.

Resources:

seattletimes.com/sports/nba/suns-holmes-arrested-in-florida-for-marijuana-possession/

cnn.com/2019/03/19/politics/medical-marijuana-legal-florida-trnd/index.html

https://www.manderlawgroup.com/elderly-man-in-florida-arrested-for-selling-pounds-of-marijuana-daily/

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