The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A man was arrested on Sunday after police reported that he called to let them know that he was in possession of marijuana.
21-year-old Joshua Simmons is documented as a homeless man in the St. Petersburg area of Florida.
Just before 11:00 pm on Sunday, Simmons reportedly dialed 911 and informed the operator that he was carrying drugs.
The St. Petersburg Police Department was notified and officers were sent to the park that the caller had given as his current location.
When the police found Simmons he identified himself as the person who called the authorities. He also allegedly told the officers that he desired them to incarcerate him for possession of an illegal substance.
Simmons, who informed the officers that he does not have a place to live, allegedly dipped his hand into his pocket and handed them what was purported to be the marijuana the man had initially placed the call about. The amount of cannabis Simmons allegedly held was reported as approximately one gram.
According to the arrest affidavit, Simmons was not found under the influence of alcohol and he did not have any weapons on his person, but it was notated that he seemed to show signs of mental health issues.
The police placed Simmons under arrest for first-degree misdemeanor possession of marijuana and he was booked into the Pinellas County Jail, satisfying his reported desire to be placed behind bars. Simmons’ bond was set at $150.
In the state of Florida, it is considered a misdemeanor offense for one to possess between one and twenty grams of marijuana, and the maximum penalty is one year of jail time in addition to a $1,000 fine.
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.