Many people who engage in drug activity have a false sense of security when it comes to their risk of getting into legal trouble. Particularly among those who regularly possess or manufacture small amounts of drugs, there's often an assumption that police and the courts are only interested in pursuing high-level drug crimes. But no one should consider themselves under the radar when it comes to enforcement of drug laws in Oregon.
A 24-year-old man who played basketball for Oregon State University was arrested on drug charges during a traffic stop in recent weeks. He was a passenger in an SUV that was pulled over a traffic violation on Interstate 5. Although it's not clear what led the Oregon State Police trooper to enlist the help of a K-9, the drug detection dog found about 6.5 pounds of marijuana with an estimated value of $16,000 in the vehicle. The basketball player and the 26-year-old driver of the SUV were arrested on charges of unlawful possession and delivery of marijuana and money laundering.
The arrest was the former athlete's second in the last couple months. In late February he was pulled over for speeding more than 30 miles over the 55 mph limit. Deputies said they found 10 pounds of marijuana as well as a powdered substance believed to be Ecstasy and more than $4,500 in cash. Had he not been speeding, he might never have been arrested on drug charges, but his second arrest will make it much tougher for him to avoid serious penalties.
The man is the son of a former NBA player for the Utah Jazz, was an honors student and received titles including Gatorade Utah Player of the Year Mr. Basketball in 2005-6. After transferring to Oregon State with so much promise, he now has a significant legal battle to fight that could result in jail time, a criminal record and quite a different reputation than what he started with upon his arrival here.
If you're facing drug charges, there are steps you can take to help yourself. Acting quickly by hiring an attorney who focuses on drug crimes is one way to ensure that your rights are protected. When it comes to potential damage to your reputation, education and career, taking action gets better results than complacently waiting for a conviction to affect the rest of your life.
Source: KPIC.com, "Former Beaver baller one of two arrested in I-5 pot bust," April 20, 2012
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