01 Oct Maryland woman faces possession with intent drug charges

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Drug Charges on Monday, October 1, 2012.

When someone finds themselves facing serious criminal allegations such as a drug trafficking charge, it can often cause a great deal of upheaval in their lives. Being charged with drug distribution can lead to significant jail time and financial fines, should it result in a conviction. Fortunately, though, Maryland law gives every accused person the right and opportunity to defend themselves in court. Not every person who is charged with a crime is guilty and prosecutors face the burden of proving criminal allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.

That proof must come in the form of competent and relevant evidence presented in court. Recently, several people found themselves facing drug and other charges after authorities responded to a report of an unknown disturbance in a motel parking lot. At the scene of the disturbance, police learned that an alleged assault had occurred. They managed to quickly stop a vehicle carrying individuals that witnesses said were involved in the incident.

The stop led to authorities discovering that one of the people in the SUV had an open arrest warrant based upon an apparent probation violation. Police also claimed that the vehicle was being used to transport illicit controlled substances. They charged the driver and owner of the vehicle with possession of crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. The amount confiscated was said to less than 15 grams, which is slightly more than one half of one ounce. Maryland authorities also arrested one of the witnesses to the altercation that brought police to the scene in the first place after finding out that she had an open arrest warrant.

Police seized the vehicle due to its use in suspected drug distribution and $3,200 in cash, on the suspicion that it was the proceeds of drug crimes.

It is one thing to be accused of a crime and quite another to actually be convicted of one. Reservation of judgment is essential in all criminal cases. That’s because each individual is fully entitled to all of the legal protections that attach to any person accused of a crime in our state, including the presumption of innocence. And to ensure that those rights are fully protected, it’s important to be in touch early with experienced legal counsel.

Source: Eye On Annapolis, “Reported Dispute Leads To Drug Arrest In Odenton,” Sept. 23, 2012