Officers attempted to pull over a driver with an expired tag off of Cleveland Avenue in Ft. Myers. The driver pulled into the parking lot of a Steak and Shake restaurant and exited his vehicle. The suspect, 26-year old Ricardo Blanc, then made his way towards the entrance of the restaurant.
Officers ordered Blanc to stop, but he refused and entered the establishment. The deputies followed the suspect into the woman's restroom where they deployed their tasers against Blanc's back. Blanc fell to the ground and spit out a leafy green material from his mouth. The authorities later identified the green material as marijuana.
A search of Blanc's vehicle located marijuana residue on the seats and floorboards. Officers arrested the suspect on charges of possession of marijuana and resisting arrest without violence. Deputies took Blanc to the Lee County Jail and no information has been released with regard to bond being granted.
The penalties for possession of marijuana charges vary on the amount and the accuser's intention of the possession. Florida considers <20 grams of marijuana possession a first degree misdemeanor with a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail. Offenders convicted of possessing >20 grams of marijuana faces a third degree felony charge and a maximum sentence of five years in State prison. Individuals convicted of any amount of drug possession may also face the loss of their driving privileges. Florida law requires drug offenders to lose their license for a two year period.
If you or a loved one has been charged with a criminal offense, contact Musca Law for a comprehensive review of your case. The attorneys at Musca Law have over 100 years of combined legal experience and four convenient Southwest Florida offices to serve you. Do not trust your future to a less experienced legal team, contact Musca law for a free consultation today.
