Traffic stops can be frustrating for anyone. Police can be aggressive and tickets can lead to fines and other expenses. However, in some cases, routine traffic stops have the potential to turn into much more serious situations.
On Aug. 14, Portland police stopped a car. The occupants, a 42-year-old man and a 26-year-old man, now both face drug charges. In this case, police claim that during a traffic stop they decided to search the car. During the search, police allege, officers found a suitcase containing 22 pounds of methamphetamine.
The two men were then arrested. During a search of one of the men's houses, police claim they found more drugs and a weapon. After these searches, the men were charged with drug possession and conspiracy to distribute drugs. On Aug. 23, both men pleaded not guilty to each of these charges. The case will go to trial in October.
If these men are convicted on the charges they could each face serious consequences including prison time and large fines.
It is now up to the prosecutors to prove these charges beyond a reasonable doubt. However, these men do not have to sit back and let the criminal justice system take over. They have the opportunity to defend themselves. Most importantly, they will want to make sure police followed all search and seizure rules. These and other important constitutional protections need to be upheld in this case, and in all drug charge cases.
The police needed probable cause to search the men's vehicle when they were first pulled over. If they did not have the evidence to support the search, then the evidence of drugs is likely not admissible at trial.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, "OR police find 22 pounds of meth in traffic stop," Aug. 23, 2012
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