Man Claiming Need for Medical Marijuana to Defend Himself
June 2, 2004
Northwest Arkansas Times
BENTONVILLE A man claims he was growing marijuana in his home for medical purposes because he has multiple sclerosis.
Larry James Yale, 57, is charged with manufacturing a controlled substance (marijuana), a class C felony.
Yale, who is in a wheelchair, appeared in court Tuesday for a hearing in his case.
Jeff Kearney, who represented Yale, asked Circuit Judge David Clinger for permission to withdraw from the case because Yale wants to represent himself.
Yale confirmed that he wants to act as his own attorney.
The judge granted Yale permission to act as his own attorney. Kearney will act as standby counsel.
Yale was arrested June 19, 2003, then released on citation.
His arrest came after authorities received a tip that Yale was supposedly growing marijuana at his home in the Avoca area, according to documents related to Yales arrest. Yale supposedly had an indoor marijuana-growing operation and smaller plants outside his residence, the documents state.
Law enforcement officers went to Yales residence and told him about the information they had received.
According to the document, Yale told them he has multiple sclerosis and uses marijuana for medical purposes. The documents state that he also said he did have a few marijuana plants growing.
Yale denied that he sold marijuana.
Six flower pots with marijuana plants ranging in height from 3 to 5 feet tall were found in a room in Yales house. On a table inside the room were two bowls: One bowl contained marijuana stems and the other held dried, processed marijuana, according to the documents. A loaded. 22-caliber revolver was also found in the room.
A plastic bag of marijuana was supposedly found in Yales bedroom, and three coffee cans and a leather bag containing marijuana were found in the closet of the bedroom, court documents state.
Four marijuana plants in individual pots were found on the deck of Yales home, according to the documents.
If convicted of the charge, Yale could receive a sentence of three to 10 years in prison.
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