Crime TV shows often show someone getting arrested for drug possession or distribution after police officers break down the door of an abandoned building and chase down the alleged perpetrator in dramatic fashion. However, in real life, drug arrests often start with an uneventful, run-of-the-mill traffic stop.
According to a recent report, a Virginia man was recently driving out-of-state with a woman and child in the vehicle when he was stopped by police for suddenly changing lanes without signaling. The officer soon discovered that the driver’s license was suspended and that a child in the vehicle was not in an appropriate car seat.
In this case, the officer reportedly smelled marijuana in the vehicle and searched the vehicle. The officer apparently found approximately 4.7 ounces of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, a loaded handgun and $800 of suspected drug money. The driver apparently has prior criminal charges relating to firearms and drug distribution.
The driver now faces various criminal charges, including possession of a firearm while committing a felony, endangering the welfare of a child and drug possession with an aggravating factor. He has been sent to prison in default of secured bond.
Many drug arrests are the direct result of evidence found during an illegal search and seizure. A criminal defense attorney can help a defendant attempt to stop the evidence obtained in an illegal search from being used during a trial. To do so, the defense strategy will involve a motion to suppress, which outlines the constitutional violations that were allegedly committed by law enforcement officials.
Contact Fairfax’s experienced and aggressive drug attorneys at Leary Law for more information about our criminal defense for drug charges service in Northern Virginia. We’ll help you learn how you can prepare your defense and what steps you can do to position yourself for the best result possible.
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