Our readers may have heard about the drug case against former Chicago Bears wide receiver David Terrell. The 35-year-old former Bears wide receiver was arrested in August after police received a report that there were several individuals smoking marijuana in public. Terrell, along with two others, was reportedly found in plain sight with materials used for packing and distributing narcotics.
Terrell pleaded not guilty on Friday to charges of manufacturing and delivery of 30-500 grams of marijuana, as well as with resisting arrest. According to officers that arrested Terrell, he was combative and struck one of the officers.
As we’ve previously noted, the charges against Terrell could land him in prison for up to three years, but at least a year, and result in a fine of $25,000.
Terrell’s attorney stated after his arrest that there is no evidence in record that he had any possessory interest in the items confiscated by police, nor that he was connected to or responsible for the illegal activities of the two other men with whom he was seen at the time of his arrest.
Marijuana possession is obviously a serious crime, despite the fact that the drug is becoming more acceptable for medicinal purposes and has even been legalized in two states. At the federal level, marijuana is still an illegal drug, and states still impose serious penalties on those who deal in the drug.
Those charged with drug crimes involving marijuana need to work to build a solid case from the beginning, so as to ensure the best possible result in their case. Not to do so is taking the risk of getting the worst possible result.
Source:
Wgntv.com, “Ex-Bear David Terrell pleads not guilty of drug charges,” October 4, 2013.
