Skip to main content

Deep in the Heart of TX: Chace Crawford Busted for Pot

By Tanya Roth, Esq. on June 04, 2010 | Last updated on March 21, 2019

Oh, to be at home in Plano, TX. That might have been what Gossip Girl actor Chace Crawford was thinking, right up until the moment he got busted for alleged pot possession. The luxurious environs of the Upper East side couldn't hold a candle to reportedly hanging out in a car in front of Ringo's Pub in the wee small hours of the morning, which is where and when officers reportedly detained Crawford.

According to reports, the police allegedly found less than 2 ounces of marijuana in Crawford's possession (TMZ reports it was actually one unlit joint). Fortunately for the actor, this is a misdemeanor-sized amount in the Lone Star State. Unfortunately, the Class-B misdemeanor still carries the potential for a maximum of 180 days in jail and a fine of up to $2,000.

Although fourteen states have enacted medicinal marijuana statutes, it is still a crime under federal law to cultivate, sell or use Cannabis sativa. According to FindLaw's LawBrain, some states, like Texas, have "decriminalized" marijuana so that its use is a misdemeanor. Some of these states include: Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii and Nevada and Oregon. In other, more conservative states, mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines apply so that even a first offence could include jail time. Some of these states are: Alabama, Georgia, Delaware, Montana and Oklahoma. 

As has been discussed on FindLaw's Blotter, the state of California is going to consider putting such unfortunate incidents to an end. Although polls show Californians potentially split on its passage, an initiative has been placed on the California ballot for voters to consider this November that would legalize small amounts of pot for personal use. The Regulate, Control and Tax Cannabis Act of 2010 would permit adults over the age of 21 to have up to 1 ounce of marijuana for personal use. Not only would the state legalize the drug, it would tax and control it, something the law's proponents say would benefit everyone. But not Mr. Crawford. Unfortunately for Chace, wrong state, wrong time, wrong amount.

Related Resources:

Copied to clipboard