Alabama pair detained on marijuana trafficking charges
Two men were detained on marijuana-related charges in Prichard after police received a tip that the pair was transporting drugs. Undercover officers spotted the men’s vehicle around 8 p.m. on the evening of June 9 at the intersection of Hickman Street and West Sweeneys Lane and activated their sirens; police say that the men attempted to escape but bailed out of the car after driving about half a mile.
A police representative stated that authorities found more than three pounds of marijuana in the men’s vehicle. The representative also noted that police recovered a 9-millimeter automatic pistol from the car that had been previously reported stolen by Daphne officials. Both men were charged with first-degree possession of marijuana, trafficking marijuana, distribution and carrying a pistol without a permit. Mobile County Metro Jail records indicate that one of the men was also charged with third-degree receiving stolen property and attempting to elude.
Both men will face significant penalties assessed by Alabama for drug crimes in the case of a conviction. Felony marijuana possession carries a sentence of up to 10 years’ imprisonment with a mandatory minimum of one year as well as a fine of up to $15,000. Marijuana trafficking between 2.2 and 100 pounds carries a mandatory minimum sentence of three years imprisonment and a fine of up to $25,000.
Persons accused of marijuana crimes in Alabama may wish to seek legal counsel, especially given the unusually harsh penalties that the state enforces against offenders. A criminal defense lawyer in this case might seek to arrange a plea bargain in order to reduce some of the charges or minimize sentences for the defendants, potentially allowing them to avoid lengthy prison terms.
Source: AL.com, “Duo charged with trafficking ‘high quality’ marijuana after brief chase through Prichard“, Theresa Seiger, June 10, 2014