Heroin has the reputation of being one of the most dangerous illegal drugs, and anyone caught in possession of it could face serious legal consequences. The possible penalties for a heroin arrest increase significantly if a person is suspected of distributing and selling heroin or some other powerful narcotic.
Six people were recently arrested on drug charges related to distributing heroin in Ohio. In particular, a 33-year-old woman, along with five other young defendants, was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to transport heroin. All six suspects were charged with the same crimes: distribution of over 100 grams of heroin, conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and operating a drug premise.
Authorities apprehended five of the named suspects over the course of two days in early December. However, one 20-year-old male defendant is still a fugitive, with authorities continuing their search for the man. The other defendants include a 22-year-old woman, a 23-year-old man, a 25-year-old man and another male whose age has not been verified in reports released by law enforcement officials.
Although there may be preliminary evidence against the defendants, anybody who is accused of a drug-related crime has the right to a strong criminal defense in court. In some cases, it may be possible to suppress gathered evidence from the court record. This can happen if at any point during, before or after an arrest the suspect’s rights were violated by investigators.
Criminal law presumes that a defendant is innocent until proven guilty. The burden of proof, then, rests on the prosecution, which must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Otherwise, the defendant’s attorney can move to have the charges reduced or dismissed.
Source: wsaz.com, “Portsmouth Woman Indicted on Federal Drug Charge,” Dec. 16, 2012