Two 18-year-old teens were recently arrested in Charlotte County, FL following a traffic stop for suspicious activity, according to a news article at NBC 2. The driver of a white Pontiac Vibe, Keri Lee Bauch, and her passenger, Brennon Tyler Osborne, were arrested after a large quantity of marijuana was discovered in the vehicle.
Deputies began following the Vibe in the area of Taylor Road and North Jones Loop Road as the vehicle continued onto northbound I-75. News reports do not indicate what the suspicious activity was, only that deputies pulled the Vibe over after the driver sped up to speeds faster than the speed limit.
Deputies requested permission to search the vehicle after explaining why they pulled Bauch over; she declined consenting to the search, so a K9 deputy was called to the scene. Both occupants were asked to get out of the vehicle. When Osborne exited the car, deputies claim a plastic bag containing a considerable amount of marijuana was visible under the edge of the seat. In all, deputies seized several bags containing more than 220 grams of marijuana while searching the vehicle.
Both teens were charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana. At the time of news reports, both were being held on $17,500 bond each in the Charlotte County Jail.
In Michigan, possessing 5 kilograms or less of marijuana with the intent to distribute or sell the marijuana will result in criminal penalties that include up to four years in prison and fines of up to $20,000 for those convicted. The more weed involved in the crime, the more severe the penalties.
The punishment for various drug crimes in Michigan varies depending on the type and amount of drug involved, the schedule the drug falls into (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5), and the accused individual’s past criminal history. Whether the crime occurs within close proximity of a school, park, church, or home may also factor into the punishment handed down to someone found guilty of the crime.
Regardless of whether you have been accused of possessing marijuana or cocaine, or distributing meth, heroin, or other illegal narcotic drugs, consult with a capable Michigan drug crime attorney at once to ensure the best possible results and avoid the harshest criminal penalties.