State v. Mr. F. (DMC 15474) – Felony Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Teaching License Reinstated at Board Hearing – Arizona Department of Education (Case No. C-2017-697R): Mr. F had been charged two years prior with Felony Possession of Marijuana and Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. We were able to negotiate a resolution that involved classes, which, upon successful completion, would result in a Dismissal of all charges. As Mr. F was a school teacher, he was informed that pursuant to Arizona Revised Statute 15-534.02, that he would lose his license for a period of five years. We requested a hearing in front of the Arizona State Board of Education, which was ultimately granted.
During the hearing, we provided numerous witnesses that showed Mr. F was doing a good job as a substitute teacher. We also showed that he was not an immoral person, and the reason that he had used marijuana was due to back pain. His lack of a medical marijuana card was merely an oversite. He had since obtained a medical marijuana card, which allowed him to legally use the drug. We also showed that Mr. F worked with special education children, some who had Downs Syndrome who were non-verbal. Because of his knowledge of sign language, and his specialized training, he was a very valuable teacher. Ultimately, the Committee agreed to Reinstate Mr. F’s Teaching License.