On March 11, Georgia cornerback Branden Smith was arrested and charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession.
Smith was driving on Highway 431 in Abbeville, about 25 miles north of Dothan in southeast Alabama. Police said that Smith was “following too close and had a tag light that was out.” After pulling the 2007 Dodge Charger over at about 11:30 pm, the officer smelled marijuana. The car was searched, and a “baseball size package of marijuana” was found, according to Henry County Sheriff William Maddox. Smith and his passenger Danze Woods were taken into custody and transported to Henry County Jail.
This arrest means that Smith will automatically be suspended from at least one game this season. Under the athletic association policy, he is required to be suspended for 10 percent of a season, but the coach gets to decide if he will miss one game or two. Most colleges are not as strict.
In January, teammate and starting cornerback Sanders Commings was arrested for domestic violence/simple battery. Coach Mark Richt suspended him for the first two games of the upcoming season.
A conviction on drug charges can be devastating. Drug crimes have harsh penalties. If convicted, a person faces hefty fines and prison time, among other things. Having an aggressive attorney at your side who will fight to protect your rights is vital.
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