Texas basketball fans may be shocked to learn that an Atlanta Hawks forward was charged with felony drug offenses after he was reportedly pulled over in Atlanta on July 30. The forward, Mike Scott, was reportedly not driving the vehicle when the incident occurred.
The vehicle was traveling on Interstate 85 when it was pulled over for allegedly driving too close behind another vehicle. The driver, Scott’s brother, reportedly did not immediately pull over; he allegedly continued driving for another 2 miles. When the vehicle was searched, authorities found 10.9 grams of MDMA, more commonly known as molly, and more than 1 ounce of marijuana.
Scott was charged with felony possession of a Schedule 1 drug and possession of marijuana. Scott’s brother was also facing felony drug charges, though it was not reported what those charges were.
The state of Texas takes drug possession very seriously. Even misdemeanor marijuana possession charges can result in a maximum of 180 days in jail. For other types of drugs, the consequences can range from about one year in prison to life or 99 years. The length of the potential prison stay or fines may depend on several factors, including the amount of drugs that were found, the type of drugs and any past convictions.
There are several defenses that may potentially be used depending on the circumstances. These defenses may include a lack of knowledge that the drugs were in the vehicle or home, the drug was medicinal or that the drug was described by a doctor. However, addiction cannot be used as a defense.
Source: HNGN, “Atlanta Hawks NEWS: Mike Scott Arrested For Felony Drug Possession“, Mike Woolfson, July 31, 2015
Source: Findlaw.com, “Texas Drug Possession Laws“, Aug. 12, 2015