A New Orleans lawyer has been cited for marijuana possession after a joint fell out of his pocket in court, in front of police.
According to local news reports, Jason Cantrell, who doubles as an assistant city attorney and a private practice lawyer, was having a conversation in magistrate court when an officer noticed something fall out of his pocket. Cantrell was cited for simple marijuana possession.
Cantrell’s wife, LaToya, who is a candidate for city council, issued a statement, in which she seemed to take her husband to task.
“I absolutely do not condone his actions,” LaToya Cantrell said. “I love my husband unconditionally and am very concerned for his health and well-being, and for that of our family. I hope that this incident will encourage Jason to seek the professional help.”
Cantrell has been suspended without pay. He was cited under a two-year-old New Orleans effort aimed at unclogging the legal system by allowing those caught with small amounts of marijuana to be cited rather than jailed.