Pubdate: Tue, 12 Feb 2002
Source: Altoona Mirror (PA)
Copyright: 2002 Altoona Mirror
Website: http://www.altoonamirror.com/home.html
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

POOR POT PLANTS KEEP MAN OUT OF JAIL

Ashland, Ore. - A man charged with growing marijuana at his home 
could have been jailed for years but was sentenced to probation 
because the plants were in such bad shape.

William Lavon Atchley, 44, initially faced a charge of drug 
manufacturing - which carries a maximum 20 year sentence -  for 
growing three marijuana plants.

But the plants were in such condition, public defender Herbert Putney 
argued that Atchley should face a lesser sentence.

"He was almost embarrassed to admit they were his, it was so 
straggly," Putney said.

He was sentenced to one year of probation and a $500 fine for 
marijuana possession.
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