Judge postpones Stoudamire's trial

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TUCSON, Ariz. -- A judge has postponed the marijuana-possession trial of Portland Trail Blazers guard Damon Stoudamire while the Arizona Court of Appeals considers a request from the prosecution.

Pima County Consolidated Justice Court Judge Paul Simon granted the prosecution's request Friday to delay the July 19-20 trial.

Deputy County Attorney Bruce Chalk has asked the appeals court to consider the prosecution's opposition to a jury trial.

Prosecutors want a bench trial, meaning that Simon would decide guilt or innocence, but defense attorneys say Stoudamire is entitled to a jury trial.

Attorneys and Simon will meet Aug. 20 to discuss the progress of the appeal.

Stoudamire, a former University of Arizona standout, was arrested at Tucson International Airport on July 3, 2003.

A foil-wrapped half-ounce of marijuana allegedly fell from Stoudamire's pants at a security checkpoint.

If Stoudamire is convicted here, he could face 48 hours to 180 days in a Lewis County, Wash., jail for breaking a plea agreement.

Stoudamire, 30, was arrested in November 2002 in Lewis County on marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession charges.

He promised to stay out of trouble for a year if charges were dropped

Associated Press
Saturday, July 10, 2004
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