The Umansky Law Firm

Michael Phelps, winner of 14 Olympic gold medals, and one of the world's greatest athletes, may face a drug charge of possession of drug paraphernalia in South Carolina. This is the result of a photo that surfaced in the British tabloids at the end of January, in which Phelps is allegedly smoking marijuana out of a bong. This occurred at a house party in November when Phelps was visiting the University of South Carolina.

While Phelps has made a public apology for his un-Olympian-like behavior, and a sheriff in Richland County, South Carolina would probably love to press charges, the defense comes down to proving what was in the bong in the first place. According to a South Carolina law professor, it can't be proved from the photo what was in the bong. Was it marijuana, or was it something else? The law professor has also said the prosecution will need a witness who will testify.

Possession of paraphernalia is a misdemeanor, both in South Carolina and Florida. But a fine and the threat of jail time can be enough to ruin your life in some ways. Loss of employment, education, and other consequences may be the end result of being found guilty.

If you have been charged with possession of drug paraphernalia in the Orange County or Orlando, Florida area, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the Umansky Law Firm for an initial case consultation.