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The Latest On Mikel Leshoure's Legal Issues

ALLEN PARK, MI - AUGUST 01:  Mikel Leshoure #25 of the Detroit Lions go through the daily practice session at the Lions training facility on August 1, 2011 in Allen Park, Michigan.  (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ALLEN PARK, MI - AUGUST 01: Mikel Leshoure #25 of the Detroit Lions go through the daily practice session at the Lions training facility on August 1, 2011 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
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It has not been a good couple of months for Detroit Lions running back Mikel Leshoure. He has been cited twice for possession of marijuana (once in February and once in March), and news of this came out on Monday. Since the news broke, there has been a lot of talk about Leshoure and his future with the Lions, and there has also been a lot of misinformation about where things stand in the legal process.

What we know right now is that contrary to some reports, a bench warrant has not been issued for Leshoure's arrest. After Leshoure didn't show up to his arraignment on Monday, the assumption was that a bench warrant would be issued. However, Dave Birkett reports that the Lions' director of security got in contact with Baroda-Lake Township police chief Gary Ruhl and informed him that Leshoure was in Allen Park and was under the impression that his arraignment was adjourned until Wednesday. In any case, no warrant has been issued for now, but that could obviously change if Leshoure doesn't get this squared away.

The other thing worth noting about Leshoure's case right now is that because this was his second offense, he could be looking at a felony charge. What's more, he also faces possible discipline from the NFL.

Besides his legal issues, Leshoure could be subject to fines and/or suspensions up to six games according to NFL rules on drug-related offenses. In the March 12 incident, Leshoure was charged with possession of marijuana/second offense, a felony punishable by up to two years in prison, Ruhl said, and was scheduled for arraignment today.

Philip Zaroo has a good breakdown of the NFL's substance abuse policy and what kind of punishment Leshoure could be looking at.

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