One of South Florida’s up and coming rapper’s, YNW Melly, was arrested on two counts of misdemeanor drug charges. Jail records indicate that Melly, whose legal name is James Maurice Demons, was charged with one count of possession of marijuana not more than 20 grams and possession and/or use of drug equipment. He was booked into Lee County Jail where his Instagram account reportedly states that he’s confident he’ll be free soon. Still, it would be wise of the rapper to seek the representation of an Indian River marijuana arrest lawyer.

Of course, just because Melly has been charged with two counts of misdemeanor drug charges doesn’t mean that he’s guilty. Under Florida law, a person is not necessarily found guilty just because he or she happens to be found in the place where drugs are also found. In other words, you are not necessarily guilty just be association. In order to be found guilty, the State must prove that the person charged knew that the drugs in question were present and had an ability to exert some type of control over them.

While we don’t know the specifics of Melly’s case, such as where he was found in conjunction with drugs, we do know that he is entitled to fair representation, as is anyone who’s faced with drug charges in the state of Florida.

In many cases, police officers will arrest all occupants of a vehicle if drugs are found underneath one of the seats, for instance. However, this does not mean that the charges will actually stick if law enforcement agencies cannot prove that the people facing drug charges knew about the drugs and could control them. Simply being close in proximity to drugs doesn’t necessarily prove that the charged party knew about the drugs or was able to exert control over them, in which case the charges could be dismissed on a sworn C-4 motion to dismiss them.

In any case, being charged with any type of drug charge is a complicated business. Anyone charged with drug crimes will need aggressive representation from an experienced Indian River criminal defense lawyer. The best defense possible is necessary to clearing your good name, especially if you are indeed innocent of the charges. If you or someone you know has been in a similar legal situation as the one that rapper YNW Melly faces, contact The Law Office of Jeffrey H. Garland, P.A. at 772.489.2200 to find out how you can get the defense that you are entitled to as an American citizen.