During a traffic stop, a deputy allegedly found a backpack with marijuana inside the vehicle and purported that it belonged to the driver.
In the afternoon on July 5 in St. Petersburg, a deputy reportedly saw a vehicle traveling on the road with a burned out brake light on the driver’s side, and registration tags that appeared to be past their expiration date.
The deputy pulled the car over to find out about the allegedly expired tags and inform the driver, identified as 23-year-old Samuel Antwoine Bryant, about the mechanical failure. When he walked up to the auto he reportedly smelled marijuana.
The deputy believed there was enough probable cause to conduct a search of the inside of the car, and while inspecting he reported that there was a backpack holding a jar with two plastic bags containing something that appeared to be marijuana.
A test was performed with a roadside kit, and the deputy recorded that it showed a positive result for ganja. The total weight of the bags and pot inside of the backpack was reportedly a smidge under an ounce-and-a-half.
In addition to the belief that the marijuana belonged to Bryant, it was also alleged that he intended to distribute the product to others.
Bryant was placed under arrest for the allegations and it was determined that he will face felony charges for possession of marijuana with intent to sell. He was released from custody later that evening after he posted a $2,000 bond.
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (aka NORML) reports that the current possession laws regarding marijuana in Florida currently state that “More than 20 grams – 25 lbs” of the substance will result in a period of incarceration for up to 5 years if found guilty of the charges. It can also result in a fine up to $5,000. Being convicted for sale of 25 pounds or less holds the same penalties.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a drug crime, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.