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Subscribe to RSSA New Orleans attorney was cited for marijuana possession this week after a joint tumbled out of his pocket in front of police, according to media reports.
Police say Jason Cantrell, who has a private practice but also serves as a part-time assistant city attorney, was in the magistrate section of criminal court chatting with police officers when a marijuana joint fell out of his pocket and onto the floor, the New Orleans Times-Picayune reported.
Cantrell, 43, was a first-time offender and was cited, issued a summons to appear in court for simple possession of marijuana and let go, according to police spokesman Garry Flot.
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The handling of his case is the result of an effort by city leaders and prosecutors two years ago to unclog a congested system and allow people arrested for having a small amount of marijuana on them to receive a summons and not be taken to jail, according to the Times-Picayune.
Besides being a private practice attorney, Cantrell doubles as a part-time city attorney, handling cases in traffic court. He was not working for the city when the incident occurred.
City Hall spokesman Ryan Berni told WDSU that Cantrell has been suspended without pay, pending an investigation.
Cantrell’s wife, LaToya, is a candidate for a district seat on the City Council. She released a statement apologizing for her husband and saying, “I absolutely do not condone his actions,” the New York Daily News reported.
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“I love my husband unconditionally and am very concerned for his health and well-being, and for that of our family,” LaToya said. “I hope that this incident will encourage Jason to seek the professional help.”
Cantrell has practiced civil and criminal law in New Orleans for 17 years, including six as a public defender in juvenile court.
He ran for a position as a judge in juvenile court in 2009 but lost.
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who cares ... come on .. and his wife saying she didnt know and doesnt condone his action .. she is a lyin @!$%#head and probably lit it up with him at night ... he should kick her to the curb
similar thing happened to me once, very windy day at lunch break and smoking a joint - i thought the wind carried away the short end that fell out from my finger-tips, but the piece of joint actually dropped into my shirt pocket. so later when i bent over to pick up an item that my supervisor dropped on the floor - guess what fell out of my shirt pocket in front of her very knowing eyes......
untill this nation unconditionally legalizes pot..its talk of being free nation is a bunch of crap..you rape me for taxes and oppress me for lifestyle choices...LEGALIZE IT NOW...
So, did the court camera record the police swoop in and shoot and kill this defendant? Like they would if it was me or you, and with no cell phone to record the killeres, for yourself as they come after you.
Tobacco is a lot worse, but no one would care if it was a cigarette that fell from his pocket. Stop persecuting people just because they use cannabis. It's wrong.
Ever wonder what would happen if they had a surprise one day pot drug test of our government officials? That would probably open up plenty of good paying jobs LOL. Which brings me to an interesting fact. I don't think I have ever heard of any high, sorry about the pun, government official getting let go for any drug, not just mariujuana. Why do you think that is? Do they not have random drug checks? And if they don't, why does the average American? Yes, it is true, we are all created equal, but then things change on day 2 of life LOL.
OK, I know, I spelled marijuana wrong. so much for saving changes before a post LOL.
only users lose drugs...
only users lose drugs...
Hypocrites, the Government is full of Hypocrites. In 2009, Jason Cantrel ran for the Position of Juvinale court judge, but lost. If he had won, he would have been convicting people for the very crime he participates in. Time for every one in the Governmnet to take a urinalysis test, like the rest of us working stiffs. Or change the law.