Although it was the first offense for Webster Alexander, Lawrence County Circuit Judge Philip Reich sentenced Alexander to 26 years under a plea agreement.

"If they had busted him and not tried to hang him, I would have shook their hands, but they're trying to hang my son," said Alexander's mother, Wanda.

Alexander could receive probation instead of jail for some, or all, of the 26 years.

Alexander, who began smoking marijuana at age nine, has been drug-free for a year. He was planning to go to college on a football scholarship to study physical education.

"Alabama does not rehabilitate criminals," said John Mayes, Alexander's lawyer. "We just punish them."

An appeal is underway.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by CARL C. on 01 Oct 08 04:12 PM EDT

My goodness! This punishment just does not make any kind of sense. I hate to say this, but besides the fact that this is probably blatant racism this state in question needs to come out from the dark ages, or rather the WHITE AGES!!!

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