It is never amusing to be accused of carrying and consuming banned substances, more so when you’ve ran afoul of law-enforcement personnel who might make things harder for you, thus forcing you to be let out on bail. Such was the case when rap artist Nelly was caught on drug charges on April 11, 2015, according to an Associated Press report.
The Country Grammar singer’s plight is no different than that of other accused in Los Angeles, CA. While the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014 reduced drug felonies to misdemeanors, drugs are still a long-running community problem. When you are hit with drug charges and need enough space to mount an effective defense, a Los Angeles bail bonds company like JR’S Bail Bonds will be ready to help you.
Flagdown
Nelly’s coach bus was pulled over by state troopers while travelling in Putnam County just outside Nashville on the way to LA. The officers said the bus did not have a U.S. Department of Transportation and International Fuel Tax Association sticker, and went to search the vehicle right away upon smelling marijuana.
Evidence
Observers said the haul included five meth rocks, around 100 small Ziploc bags, a small amount of marijuana, assorted drug paraphernalia, and a number of handguns. Although Nelly was slapped with drug charges, his counsel insisted that the items came from other people who alighted from the bus before it was flagged down.
Paying Off
It’s up to the accused to pay the required bail bond, with commitments to be present at the court date. Nelly’s bail bond was set at $10,000 and he is scheduled to appear at a hearing on June 19, 2015, a FOX2NOW report stated. Although $10,000 may be considered small given the singer/actor’s income stream, things will be different when applied under LA County’s 2015 Uniform and Bail Schedule:
- Health and Safety Code 11357a – $35 fine for carrying less than 28.5 grams of marijuana
- HSC 11360b – $75 and court date for transporting no more than 28.5g of marijuana
- HSC 11364.1 – $250 and court date for possession of opium drug paraphernalia
- HSC 11377 – $1,000 and court date for possession of controlled substance (e.g. meth)
Although it was unknown if the seized firearms were loaded, numerous California Penal Code provisions mandate bail of at least $10,000 and a court appearance.
Being in the proximity of banned substances can be tough to explain away in front of a judge. That’s why you must seek bail to plan your defense and honor a commitment to be in court at the appointed date and time. Consult a Los Angeles bail bond expert today.
Sources:
Nelly Arrested On Felony Drug Charges, Huffington Post, 11 April 2015
Nelly’s lawyer says the drug charges won’t stick, FOX2NOW 12 April 2015
Rapper Nelly Arrested On Felony Drug Charges After Marijuana, Meth And Guns Found On Tour Bus, Inquisitr
2015 Uniform and Bail Schedule
California Voters Make Possession of Most Drugs a Misdemeanor Offense, Hit & Run
