Bell likely to have drug charges dismissed
When most people are arrested on drug charges for a small amount of marijuana, it isn’t really all that newsworthy. Instead, you usually only end up reading about pounds of pot being confiscated or a huge, multi-state heroin ring being taken down by the DEA. But here in Pittsburgh we love our Steelers, so it’s no surprise that when one of them is busted for drunk driving or driving under the influence of another substance, such as marijuana, we’re going closely follow the story. Unless you live under a rock, you know that the Steelers star running back, Le’Veon Bell, was arrested for possession of marijuana and driving under the influence of marijuana in August before the Steelers pre-season game against the Eagles. The arrest took place just a few hours before the team was to board a plane to Philadelphia. Bell could have the possession of marijuana and driving under the influence of marijuana charges altogether dismissed and completely expunged from his permanent record; however, he may still face NFL league fines and a suspension. His hearing is set to go on 6 February in front of Judge Robert Gallo of the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court. It is there that Bell is expected to garner formal admittance into the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program. ARD is generally set up for first-time offenders of non-violent crimes. In order to qualify for ARD, Mr. Bell must meet certain requirement, such as agreeing to serve fifteen months of probation, a drug and alcohol evaluation, a two-day driving safety course, and participation in DUI group therapy. In addition, Bell will lose his license for two months and pay approximately $2000 in court costs. As far as football goes, Bell says he isn’t worried about any suspensions that could happen next year, only finishing this season for now. You may remember that one of Bell’s passengers at the time of the arrest, LeGarrette Blount, was also arrested during the traffic stop. Blount, once-loved-now-hated by Steelers fans, was released by the team after he walked off the field before the team’s 18 November game against the Titans was over, allegedly upset that he hadn’t received any carries in the game. Blount’s preliminary hearing is set for 10 December. You may think that Le’Veon Bell’s circumstances are different because he’s a beloved superstar for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But they aren’t. With quality representation, possession of marijuana and driving under the influence of marijuana charges can be dismissed under certain terms. Don’t think that you don’t have the same rights as someone like Le’Veon Bell. If you have been arrested on drug charges, call Pittsburgh drug charges attorney Gary Gerson today for a free consultation at 412-219-6875 Source: Post-Gazette.com, “Steelers RB Bell goes to court” 3 December 2014
