On Nov. 13, the Ohio Highway Patrol performed a traffic stop that resulted in a motorist being charged with multiple felony drug offenses. The traffic stop occurred on the southbound side of Interstate 75 nearby Troy. The statement issued by police the next day claimed that the vehicle was initially pulled over for following too close on the interstate. However, troopers claim to have picked up the scent of burnt marijuana as they approached the vehicle.
After troopers performed a search of the vehicle, the 43-year-old Detroit man was taken into custody and brought to Miami County Jail. Police charged him with following too close, misdemeanor marijuana possession, and four counts of drug possession including alleged methamphetamine. His bond was set at $140,000. The driver could receive assistance from a criminal defense lawyer. Legal counsel may be able to prevent the man from making any self-incriminating statements to investigators.
Criminal defense lawyers may focus on challenging the probable cause used for searching the vehicle. They might also focus on challenging the merits of initially performing the traffic stop. If it can be proven that the defendant’s rights were violated in some manner, a judge may be compelled to dismiss the case or any number of charges.
People facing drug charges usually benefit from obtaining some form of legal representation or consult. A lawyers might be able to provide guidance and act as an effective intermediary in protecting the defendant’s best interests. Legal strategies typically focus on gathering enough evidence to counter the prosecution’s assertions or disarming the prosecution’s case by exposing some systemic error or violation. If defense lawyers are unable obtain an acquittal or dismissal, a plea bargain may still be available.
Source: WHIO, “Drug charges land Detroit man in Miami Co. Jail“, November 14, 2014