On April 19, a University of Miami linebacker was arrested for possession of marijuana. It is alleged that he possessed more than 20 grams of the drug, which means that the criminal charge will be prosecuted as a felony. The man was also charged with resisting arrest although documents state that he did not use violence. He was held pending payment of bail in the amount of $6,000.
An official for the University reported that the accused has been suspended. In 2012, the linebacker played in seven games. He had five tackles during those seven games and was named special teams player of the week on Nov. 5 for a blocked punt. This was his second suspension from the team.
This is the second UM player to be arrested since the end of the 2012 season. The suspension follows the leaving of two other linebackers after one player transferred schools and a second left the team.
In some cases, a criminal defense attorney may be able to assist persons accused with crimes reduce the consequences of convictions. For example, an attorney may be able to convince prosecutors to reduce charges from felonies to misdemeanors, which typically carry lower penalties. When a suspect is charged with multiple offenses, an attorney can sometimes negotiate the dismissal of one of the charges in exchange for a plea deal on the other. It may also be possible for a person accused of a crime to serve a period of probation as part of a diversion program, thereby avoiding jail. Persons who have been accused of crimes may benefit from speaking to a local attorney about their options.
Source: Sun Sentinel, “Miami LB Gabe Terry arrested on felony pot charges,” Michael Casagrande, April 19, 2013