Former Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Jimmy Smith was arrested by police in Florida April 22nd for possession of both crack cocaine and marijuana. A Florida State Trooper pulled the five-time Pro Bowl player over just outside of Jacksonville to check the legality of window tinting on Smith's 2009 Mercedes-Benz when he smelled a "strong odor of marijuana" from inside the vehicle. The Trooper determined that Smith's license was suspended stemming from a DUI conviction just last August, when Smith could not produce the driver's license for review.
The Trooper proceeded to search Smith's car, finding marijuana residue on the seats. In the center console, he found six ounces of crack cocaine, three ounces of marijuana and one half-smoked marijuana cigarette, all of which led to drug possession charges. The 40 year-old Smith was arrested on charges of drug possession, driving on a suspended license and the window tint violation. He is currently free on $11,500 bond and has publicly stated that he is seeking treatment to overcome addiction to unspecified drugs. Smith will be arraigned on May 6th.
In Florida, possession of 20 ounces or less of marijuana is generally classified as a first degree misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in a county jail and a $1,000 fine. Driving with a suspended license in Florida is considered a misdemeanor for a first offense, with a maximum sentence of 60 days in a county jail and up to $500 in fines. Penalties escalate for second and third offenses to as much as five years in prison and up to $5,000 in fines. Possession of cocaine, however, is usually considered a third degree felony and carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as $5,000. In Smith's case, he claimed that another man was driving in the car with him just before he was arrested. He might be able to claim that the drugs were not his. Aside from that, his lawyer will have to investigate the details of his vehicle search very carefully to see if perhaps the evidence found by the State Trooper might have been collected illegally and might be inadmissible in court. Being charged with a drug possession is a serious crime that could affect your future. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney to guide you through all the confusing legal procedure and fight for your freedom.
If you or someone you know has been charged with drug possession, call the attorneys at Stephen G. Rodriguez & Associates right away to begin preparing your defense.
