Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Saturday, May 31, two men were arrested and charged with drug, traffic, and weapons offenses following a chase by an officer who was attempting to pull the men over for a seat belt violation. According to The Leaf Chronicle, the incident occurred in Clarksville and resulted in the arrest of 20-year-old Charles Marqueese Riley, and 31-year-old Michael Paul Hunt.
Riley was allegedly driving the vehicle; according to the news article, Hunt was observed by the officer not wearing a seat belt. When the officer attempted to stop the vehicle as it turned onto Commerce Street, Riley continued on running traffic lights and stop signs before eventually coming to a stop in the 400 block of Wall Street. During the chase, the officer noticed that a plastic bag and weapon were tossed from the vehicle in the area of Hiter Street. A sheriff’s deputy then went to investigate and discovered 6.3 grams of marijuana in the plastic bag, along with a .357-caliber handgun.
While both men are facing several charges, Riley is charged with possession of marijuana, DUI, violation of the state’s implied consent law, felony evading arrest, driving on a revoked license, tampering with evidence (two charges), and more. Riley had been found guilty of aggravated robbery approximately 18 months ago according to a warrant. Hunt, the passenger of the vehicle, faces simple drug possession charges along with tampering with evidence and convicted felon in possession of a firearm.
In Tennessee, possessing any amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor offense when it is the individual’s first offense. A conviction will result in fines of up to $2,500 and up to one year in jail. In the state of Michigan, a first offense for possession of pot is also a misdemeanor, one that will leave the accused facing up to one year in jail and fines of up to $2,000. However, according to the Michigan Penal Code 333.7401, anyone who is found to be cultivating marijuana plants (or in possession of plants) will face a minimum of four years in jail and a maximum of 15 years in prison, depending on the number of plants involved.
It is important to note that individuals who have a medical marijuana license may legally possess up o 2.5 ounces or 12 plants. However, even those who are permitted to grow or possess pot may face criminal charges in situations where they have more than allowed by law.
Whatever your situation, when facing accusations that involved the possession or distribution of marijuana, heroin, cocaine, or any illegal drug, consult with a skilled and aggressive Michigan drug crime attorney for a positive outcome.