The Umansky Law Firm

Former talk show host and medical marijuana proponent Montel Williams was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia at General Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee, Wisconsin Tuesday, January 4.

According to the Milwaukee County sheriff's office, Williams was allegedly carrying a marijuana pipe when he passed through security. Transportation Security Administration employees reportedly found the pipe.

However, instead of arresting him as may have happened in another state, Williams was allowed to pay the $484 fine and continue on his trip. Keep in mind, though, that he was not found with any marijuana on him. While the thought of charging anyone for simply having a pipe that may, or may not, be used to smoke pot is suspect to many people, those in government continue to pass laws that make this illegal.

Williams has been for the use of medical marijuana as a way to counter pain caused by his multiple sclerosis that he was diagnosed with in 1999. He became vocal about his views after he was stopped at a Detroit airport for carrying drug paraphernalia.

It's not necessarily illegal to have these kinds of pipes; it's what they are used for. They can be purchased across the US legally, but the implication is, either rightly or wrongly, that they will be used to smoke marijuana. Many states have legalized the personal use of small amounts of marijuana, or at least alleviated the trouble with a ticket or misdemeanor charge if caught. However, you should not gamble that this will be your fate.

If you have been charged with drug possession in Orange County or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere else in the state of Florida, please contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys at the Umansky Law Firm for a free and confidential case consultation.