Between the ages of 16 and 24, kids (yes, you’re still a kid. You’re brain does fully develop until 25) do really stupid things. Illegal things. Things you look back five to ten years later and regret. But imagine one of those mistakes potentially landing you in prison for life?
19-year old Jacob Lavoro, was arrested last month after police found 1.5 pounds of pot brownies, a pound of marijuana, scales, some cash, and dozens of baggies with pot and hash oil at his Round Rock, TX, apartment. He faces five years to life in prison.
Source: KVUE
The Texas county of Williamson, where Lavoro is being prosecuted, is notorious for being extremely tough on criminals. Just last month, a Williamson County man was sentenced to 60 years in prison for possession of child pornography. And a few years back, it handed out a life sentence to a man to with a ridiculous amount of DUIs.
While being tough on crime is generally a good thing, in Lavoro’s case, many are wondering whether the potential punishment fits the crime. “It’s outragious,” Lavoro’s father told Austin TV station KEYE. “It’s crazy! I understand it. 5 years to life?? I’m sorry. I’m a law-abiding citizen. I’m a conservative. I love my country. I’m a Vietnam Veteran, but… this is wrong!”
The reason for such an intense charges, reportedly, is Jacob Lavoro’s possession of hash oil. Anything above 4 grams of hash oil could be grounds for a 1st-degree felony charge. According to affidavit, Lavoro was caught with 145 grams of the substance.
The case has gotten national attention, and Lavoro has gained thousands of supporters. Over 250,000 people have signed a petition demanding the charges be reduced. The petition was presented to the District Attorney’s office, there’s been no word on whether they have responded as of yet.
Lavoro is due in court on Sept 4.
