When someone is pulled over because they are suspected of DUI, there are certain protocols that officers must follow to be able to search the person’s car. There are many protections in place that help ensure citizens are not subjected to unlawful searches or seizures. Sometimes law enforcement needs to have a search warrant before they can search a person or their personal property, but most searches are made without warrants and are based on probable cause. Recently, a Georgia driver was arrested on drug charges when police pulled him over for suspected drunk driving.
According to police, the incident occurred at around 12:30 p.m. on September 30, after police received a tip from an off-duty officer that the man was driving erratically. Police were able to locate him standing close to his vehicle, which was parked in the lot of a closed business. Though police did not smell any alcohol on the driver, they did notice that something was allegedly wrong with his eye, that he had a bruise on his head and that his vehicle had significant damage to its front and rear panels.
The officer then shined a light in the man’s eyes, and supposedly only saw limited dilation, which could indicate the ingestion of a narcotic. While one officer was talking to the driver, another allegedly noticed a gun lying in plain sight on the floorboard of the car. The report states that police used the alleged presence of the weapon in order to open and ultimately search the man’s car. The search apparently yielded prescription drugs, a small amount of marijuana and a substance believed to be an illegal narcotic.
The man has been charged with several possession charges, DUI, a weapons charge and failure to maintain a lane. Those accused of crimes and subjected to police searches in Georgia want to ensure that their rights are protected, and that they are treated fairly by authorities and legal system throughout the arrest and trial processes. Most in this situation seek legal representation from an attorney who has experience in criminal law and in defending cases involving drug charges. An attorney who practices in this area will be in the best position to understand local, state and national laws which could affect the outcome of a trial.
Source: rockdalecitizen.com, “Alleged Uber driver arrested in Conyers on drug charges“, Larry Stanford, Oct 5, 2016