DUI doesn’t always mean that a driver was under the influence of alcohol. Take for example two Pittsburgh Steelers who were pulled over yesterday. Running backs Le’Veon Bell and LeGarrette Blount were charged with possession of marijuana following a routine traffic stop. Bell was the driver of the car and was charged with driving under the influence of marijuana, although both men were in possession of marijuana. The traffic officer who pulled the car over noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The officer found a 20 gram bag of marijuana inside the car. The DUI charge is a misdemeanor. Both Bell and Blount will receive summonses in the mail that will include the date on which they must appear in court.
Here in Florida, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana is a first degree misdemeanor, that can include penalties such as jail time, probation, and your driver’s license revoked. While on the other hand, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana is a third degree felony. Under Florida law, it is punishable by five years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Driving under the influence of marijuana is just as serious a crime in Florida, as it is when it comes to drinking and driving. A first time offender faces up to six months in jail, a fine of between $500 and $1,000, which is why it is crucial to have a skilled defense attorney by your side.
