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Resolution on Stoudamire marijuana charge not likely until next year

Arizona Daily Star

Phoenix, AZ Dec 16, 2004 -- Damon Stoudamire might wait until 2005 before he sees a resolution to his misdemeanor marijuana possession case that began in July 2003.

Justice Court Judge Paul Simon on Wednesday scheduled Stoudamire's next court appearance for Feb. 16.

That next court date will be about 19 months after Stoudamire was arrested at the Tucson airport; many misdemeanor cases take minutes to resolve in court.

Stoudamire was not present at Wednesday's case management conference.

Airport police said Stoudamire tried to pass through a security checkpoint on July 3, 2003, while carrying about 1.5 ounces of marijuana wrapped in foil.

He is charged with possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both are misdemeanors.

He faces up to three years' probation and a $2,500 fine if convicted.

The prosecution and defense said Wednesday they are waiting for the state Supreme Court to decide an unrelated case that may help determine whether Stoudamire is entitled to a jury trial.

The Arizona Constitution doesn't guarantee a jury trial to all persons charged with misdemeanors.