19-Year-Old Fined $500 For 6.61 Grams Of Ganja. Judge Lenient & Did Not To Record A Conviction
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By Alric Lindsay
A 19-year-old lady appeared before Magistrate Hernandez in Summary Court today, October 16, 2024, to face sentencing for possession and consumption of ganja. After a convincing argument from her lawyer, Lloyd Samson, she was liable to pay a $500 fine only and had no convictions recorded.
Background
According to the Crown, the background of the incident is that in May 2023, officers were dispatched to the scene of two-car collision on Linford Pierson Highway. One of the vehicles was driven by the 19-year-old lady.
While attending to the accident scene, 6.61 grams of Ganja was found in the bushes nearby, close to someone’s yard. She admitted the Ganja was hers when interviewed by the police. She added that it was for her personal use.
Sentencing
Arguing on her behalf, Attorney Lloyd Samson highlighted to the Court that she is only 19 years old, has no previous convictions, stopped smoking, and pleaded guilty at the earliest possible opportunity so as not to waste the Court’s time. A Government statutory authority also employs her, and she has only worked there for a few months.
Based on the foregoing, Samson requested that the Court consider not recording a conviction. This was for several reasons, including the possibility that a conviction could impact her future employment opportunities.
Lloyd Samson of Samson Law
After considering all of the foregoing, Magistrate Hernandez did not record a conviction against the young lady. However, she was ordered to pay the Crown $500 in costs.
Magistrate Hernandez added that a conviction will be recorded if she returns to Court with a possession charge.
