A high profile college football player is being accused of a crime this week after police found marijuana in his friend's vehicle. The 22-year-old NFL draft pick, Dre Kirkpatrick, was arrested on drug charges of possession of marijuana, just south of St. Petersburg after his friend was pulled over by police.

After searching the vehicle, police say they found less than 20 grams of cannabis, a misdemeanor. Even though the crime is a misdemeanor, it can still carry harsh penalties and much public criticism. It isn't clear from reports whether Kirkpatrick actually had the marijuana on him, or whether it was just in the vehicle.

Because he is someone in the public spotlight, media picked up on the story right away. This tends to happen when public officials or reputable people in the community are accused of a crime. Many times, it can be hard to have a fair hearing when there is a presumption by the public that a person is guilty.

It is important to remember that many times news outlets get many of the facts for their stories from police reports, which are descriptions of the events that unfolded in the eye of law enforcement. It might be wise if someone is ever charged with a drug crime that they speak with an experienced St. Petersburg criminal defense attorney to ensure their rights are preserved and were respected if they were arrested. They can help ensure that police handled the situation according to procedures and try to reduce the media spotlight on the charges.

Source: Sporting News, "Dre Kirkpatrick marijuana arrest raises question about 2012 NFL Draft status," Jan. 18, 2012