How much jail time is Jack Doherty facing after Florida arrest? Charges explained

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I just heard the news and I’m shocked – Jack Doherty, the YouTuber and streamer, was arrested in Miami Beach! Apparently, the charges are serious, and if he’s found guilty, he could be facing a really long time in prison. It’s just unbelievable.

The 22-year-old online creator, with over 15 million followers on YouTube and 13 million across TikTok and Instagram, was arrested on November 15th. Just hours before, he had been broadcasting live from a yacht in Miami using the Parti platform.

Jack Doherty arrested in Miami Beach

Miami Beach Police say they arrested Doherty near a smoke shop and took him to Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center around 9 a.m. local time.

According to police, the streamer stepped into traffic on Washington Ave. to record a video, which caused a traffic blockage and put both drivers and himself in danger.

Even after officers repeatedly told Doherty to move his vehicle, he wouldn’t comply, stating he was waiting to finish a bet.

Once he was arrested, officers searched his pockets and found amphetamine and marijuana.

He was charged with:

  • Possession of a controlled substance
  • Possession of marijuana (under 20 grams)
  • Resisting arrest without violence

Police found amphetamine and a small amount of marijuana on Doherty. While amphetamine can be legally prescribed for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy, it’s illegal to possess in Florida without a prescription. Officers reported the marijuana weighed less than 20 grams.

After being released from jail on a $3,500 bail, Doherty immediately capitalized on the attention, sharing posts online and even wearing a t-shirt with his booking photo on it.

How much jail time could Jack Doherty face?

Here’s how Florida law breaks down the penalties:

Possession of a controlled substance (third-degree felony)

  • Up to 5 years in prison
  • Up to $5,000 fine

Possession of marijuana under 20 grams (misdemeanor)

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Up to $1,000 fine

Resisting an officer without violence (first-degree misdemeanor)

  • Up to 1 year in jail
  • Up to 1 year probation
  • Up to $1,000 fine

If found guilty on all charges, Doherty could be sentenced to as many as 7 years in prison.

A history of controversies

Jake Doherty has faced legal troubles before. Earlier in 2024, he crashed his expensive McLaren 520s ($200,000) while broadcasting live online during a rainstorm, which resulted in him being banned from the streaming platform Kick.

He received a ticket for using his phone while driving, and the incident even became the subject of a parody on Saturday Night Live.

He also gained attention when his girlfriend at the time, McKinley Richardson, called the police following a dispute between them.

After his Kick ban was lifted, he lost access to his account once more. This happened when he and his security guard confronted someone who was disrupting his stream in person, leading to a physical fight after the person slapped him.

Police pressure on influencers keeps rising

Doherty’s arrest comes as U.S. authorities have been ramping up enforcement against viral creators.

TikTok personality Heston James could face up to nine years in prison after being charged with felonies in Arizona for a series of disruptive pranks he performed over several months earlier this year.

A DoorDash driver in New York was arrested and faces a serious felony charge after a video he took of a customer’s inappropriate behavior on a couch went viral in early November.

It’s still unclear if Doherty will go to jail, as the case unfolds, but he could face serious consequences. Plus, public figures who create content are continuing to face increased attention and examination.

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2025-11-17 19:23