Often, people who take a long road trip may not know how it will end. However, three men driving through Georgia to the northeast most likely did not expect their trip to end in arrests. Unfortunately, they now face drug charges after they were stopped by police at a routine safety checkpoint.
Police officers claim that they stopped a vehicle containing three men between 9:00 and 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 11. Authorities allege that the car the men were traveling in was driving erratically, and they felt that the driver was impaired. After getting information from the occupants of the vehicle, police discovered that one of the passengers in the car had a felony warrant for drug possession and distribution.
As they felt they had probable cause, police searched the vehicle. During the search, a significant quantity of drugs was discovered. The driver of car was charged with obstruction and DUI; a passenger was arrested because he was allegedly a fugitive from justice, and all three men were charged with possession of drugs with intent to distribute.
As in all cases involving criminal charges, these men who are facing drug charges in Georgia are innocent until and only if proven guilty. Even when criminal activity is suspected, citizens of the United States have certain rights, including the right to privacy and protection from unreasonable searches and seizures. As the men face the prospect of a trial and potential jail time, they are also likely questioning whether they were treated lawfully. An experienced defense attorney can examine the case and seek to have any evidence dismissed that may have been gained through unlawful means as well as provide advice and support throughout any criminal court proceedings.
Source: newschannel9.com, “Cohutta Police: “Largest known seizure” ever of illegal mushrooms in Whitfield County“, Aug. 12, 2016