Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Sunday, March 15, 24-year-old Caleb Moore, son of Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore, was arrested for alleged drug possession at the scene of an attempted break-in, according to a news article at Al.com. Moore was charged with marijuana possession, and possession of a controlled substance. He claims the accusations are nothing more than an attack on his father for what he stands for, and said as much on a Facebook post following the arrest. Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has been involved in a legal battle regarding gay marriage after he issued a controversial order to halt same-sex marriages, even thought the U.S. Supreme Court ruled they could continue in the state.
Court documents claim that police received a report of an attempted home break-in in Troy in the 1200 block of Allen Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered five men outside the location near a pickup truck; on of the men was Caleb Moore. Officers said the truck had a strong odor of marijuana. The suspects claimed there were no drugs in the truck, however upon searching it officers discovered Moore’s passport, along with a bag of marijuana that also contained several Xanax pills.
After being arrested and transported to the Troy jail, Moore was released on a total bond of $8,500. He posted on Facebook that the arrest was nothing more than a prime example of how crooked police officers and the media are trying to destroy both his father’s career, and their family. Moore went on to say that the drug test he took will prove that he is not a drug user, and that justice would be served in regards to the possession charges.
Moore was arrested in 2011 and charged with DUI and drug possession; in that case, he applied to be treated as a youthful offender. He also pleaded guilty to drug-related charges in 2013 and was sentenced to probation, according to court records.
In states where marijuana has not been approved for recreational use, possession is a serious charge. Although reports did not reveal how much marijuana was found in the pick-up truck, the consequences could still be serious if Moore is found guilty.
In Michigan, marijuana possession is a misdemeanor offense, however those convicted may face penalties that include fines of up to $2,000 and/or a maximum of one year in jail. Individuals who are found to be in possession of marijuana plants may be charged with cultivation, which is a felony offense with a minimum jail sentence of four years, and fines of up to $20,000. Other factors that affect punishment is where the offense occurred (for example, possession of marijuana in close proximity of a school, church, or park), and past criminal convictions.
Anyone who has been charged with marijuana possession or any crime involving marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, prescription drugs, or any other substance must consult with a skilled and aggressive Michigan drug crimes attorney immediately. It is vital to have capable legal counsel in order to obtain the best possible result.