Police are required to have probable cause to stop a vehicle. If it is found that no probable cause existed, it is possible for a person arrested during that traffic stop to find that his or her charges are dismissed. An attorney can provide information on whether an officer’s probable cause will stand up in court.
According to police in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, an equipment violation was the probable cause for a traffic stop that led to an arrest for possession of a controlled dangerous substance with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled substance. The man, who is from Glen Burnie, is facing those charges after police searched the vehicle the 34-year-old man was driving. An officer said that he smelled an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle when he made contact with the man. Two airtight bags, which were heat-sealed, were reportedly discovered during the search. Those bags contained 266.3 grams of pot. One the streets, that marijuana had a value of $5,326. The man also reportedly had $3,610 on him.
There was no information provided as to whether the man posted bond or when his next court date is.
Charges involving large amounts of controlled substances can carry significant prison sentences. It’s important for those facing such charges to build a solid defense, which may include fighting the admissibility of evidence. There are many ways that drug possession charges can be fought at trial. In addition, the prosecution may offer a plea bargain. However, a plea bargain may not be the right choice and an attorney can help his or her clients determine if such a deal should be accepted.
Source: Capital Gazette, “Police: Glen Burnie man arrested with $5K worth of marijuana,” Tim Pratt, Dec. 22, 2015
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