In drug crimes cases, it is easy for the media to imply guilt in their reporting. However, people reading those reports should be reminded that people who are arrested and charged with drug crimes remain innocent unless prosecutors can prove otherwise.
Four Oregon residents were recently arrested in another state for alleged drug crimes. Those accused range in age from 23 to 53. They now face charges for allegedly trafficking marijuana and for possessing drug paraphernalia.
Police were initially called to a hotel for an apparent disturbance. When authorities arrived, they noticed a strong chemical smell. Thinking that they could be dealing with a potential meth lab, they evacuated the hotel.
One of the accused reportedly gave police permission to search the group's hotel room. Upon doing so, police claim to have found more than 21 pounds of marijuana. Authorities claim later interviews revealed that the group of four people had traveled from Oregon to sell the marijuana.
Authorities also realized that the apparent chemical smell was actually pepper spray that was used to break up a fight between two of the people charged in this case.
Drug trafficking charges are very serious. People who are convicted of those types of crimes could face harsh penalties, including time behind bars. However, before a conviction can be secured, the facts and evidence in a case must be presented in a court of law.
In order to be sure that the rights of the accused are protected, residents of Portland may find it best to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Source: al.com, "Foley Police locate 21 pounds of pot, four suspects from Oregon facing drug-related charges," Jeff Dute, Nov. 28, 2012
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