My Fox Austin“We need to change the laws in Texas,” said Jamie Spencer, who serves as legal counsel for Texas NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. “A sexual assault or manslaughter in Texas carries a maximum of 20 years. He’s looking at obviously, much more than that, potentially.”
Nineteen-year-old Jacob Lavoro is charged with possession of marijuana, a controlled substance called hash oil, plus the manufacture and delivery of brownies and cookies.
According to a statement released by the Williamson County District Attorney, “under Texas law, this higher-potency hash oil is classified in the controlled substances act as a penalty group two substance. The degree of potential punishment for possession or distribution of a controlled substance is linked to the weight of the substance found- including any adulterants or dilutants.”
Spencer explained, “Adulterants and dilutants means anything that increases the quantity or bulk of a substance, regardless of its chemical effect on that substance. Which means if you take marijuana or hash and then you add sugar and butter and chocolate in this case, then the prosecutor is allowed to use that in the weight in terms of what the possible punishment is.”
The arrest report for Lavoro shows officers found more than a pound and a half of infused brownies and cookies, which is about 660 grams.
The Williamson County D.A.’s statement goes on to say, “…In Texas, if it is proven beyond a reasonable doubt in court that someone manufactured, delivered or possessed with the intent to deliver hash oil…in an amount of more than 400 grams, then that person can face anywhere from 10 years to 99 years or life in prison.”
“You can have over 100 grams of marijuana and it still be a misdemeanor and yet, less than one gram of hash starts off as a felony,” added Spencer.
Prior to the first degree felony charge, the 19-year-old had a clean record.
Jacob could potentially be sentenced to no more than ten years of probation.
We’re still waiting to hear back from his attorney for comment.
It is well known that williamson county is one of the most corrupt
and criminal municipalities in the state of texas. i wish him much luck/cause
he gonna need it.
I guess theres no common sense in justice nowadays.
Another petty bust, when the hard core criminals walk. How sad, I hope this guy walks. Lord, we lack justice.