Broward County Principal Arrested on Marijuana Charges

The Miami Herald reports that a Broward County school principal was arrested Friday after police found marijuana and drug paraphernalia in her Coral Springs home.

Due to the amount being more than 20 grams, the principal was charged with felony possession of marijuana.  In the State of Florida, it is a first-degree misdemeanor to be in possession of up to 20 grams of marijuana.  Anything over 20 grams is a third-degree felony.

The principal's son was also arrested Friday.  He was found with 126 grams of marijuana and was charged with possession with intent to sell.

Police came to the princpal's as a part of a narcotics investigation.  The officers had obtained a search warrant and conducted a search of her home.

Under normal circumstances, a marijuana arrest would not make the news. Unfortunately, due to the accused's position as a school principal, her story has become public.  This arrest will undoubtedly cost her her job.

That's the sad thing about getting arrested.  Even though the law presumes that you are innocent, you are still judged in the eyes of the public.  While she may very well be not guilty of the possession (the drugs found in her bedroom could have belonged to her son or some other occupant of the house), the stigma of getting arrested is enough to cost you your employment and reputation in the community.

I am a criminal defense attorney who practices in Miami-Dade and Broward. If you or a loved one are facing marijuana or marijuana-related charges, call me.