The 12th Circuit State Attorney deferred drug prosecution of a 22-year-old Tampa man.
The state filed misdemeanor charges against John Archer in August for possessing less than 20 grams of marijuana and paraphernalia.
Holmes Beach police reported finding 0.5 gram of hash and 23.3 grams of marijuana, as well as a digital scale and marijuana grinder in a search of Archer’s vehicle July 23 during his arrest.
Under the state’s deferred prosecution agreement, Archer waived rights to a speedy trial, to confront witnesses and to an attorney.
He promised not to use intoxicants in excess or illegal drugs and not to visit places where they are unlawfully sold or dispensed for 90 days.
Monitored by a court officer, the pretrial intervention program also requires Archer to perform 25 hours of community service and pay court costs, drug testing and rehabilitation fees, as well as $100 to the HBPD for investigative costs.
If Archer abides by the agreement, the state attorney will dismiss the charges with prejudice. If the state decides Archer’s progress is unsatisfactory, his prosecution will resume.
The agreement ends Dec. 22.