Former Oakland Raider and USC quarterback Todd Marinovich was arrested on a warrant for failing to appear in court on his drug diversion case in Newport Beach. Marinovich was placed on probation for a 2007 arrest and conviction where he was caught skateboarding in an unauthorized area, then fled from police. Police subsequently found speed, spoon and syringe.

If the court finds Marinovich violated probation, he could be sent to prison for a maximum 3 years. Being a USC alum, former prosecutor and now criminal defense attorney, I find it hard to believe that Marinovich is the type of person that needs to be behind bars. Drug and alcohol addictions are better treated with formal drug programs, not incarceration. This is especially true for the offender who has no violent or non-drug related convictions.

Orange County, give the guy as many breaks as he needs to achieve sobriety. We are in a financial crisis and we shouldn't overload our jails and prisons with non-violent drug offenders.