While police and prosecutors take drug use and possession seriously, criminal charges for these crimes are generally much less severe than the charges for drug manufacturing and drug trafficking. Drug charges for the manufacturing, cultivation or trafficking of drugs in Oregon are generally felonies and are subject to sentencing guidelines.
Tourists plead not guilty to drug charges following traffic stop
When police are on patrol they are often looking for people who are violating traffic laws. These routine traffic stops can include speeding, running stop signs and other minor infractions. However, once a stop occurs, police can start to look for signs that other crimes are occurring. Police will observe the driver, any passengers and anything in the open to see if there is any evidence that another crime has occurred. In some cases, police may find evidence of drug use or possession. In these cases, drug charges are likely.
Search of North Portland car leads to meth lab bust
Following a police search a van in Raleigh Hills, police claims to have found a methamphetamines lab in North Portland.
Police respond to burglary -- charge resident with drug charges
Police search for and find illegal drugs in many unusual places and situations. In a recent case, the police responded to a call about a burglary at a home in the Parkrose neighborhood in Portland. The case ended with drug charges for the resident of the home.
Portland police search men's home following arrest
If people are arrested after police find drugs on them, criminal proceedings are likely to follow. However, police may also follow up that arrest with additional searches of the people's homes, cars and offices particularly if the people are accused of drug trafficking. If police suspect that a person may have additional contraband, they can get a warrant to carry out the additional searches.
Men face state and federal sentences for drug trafficking
Both the Oregon state and the federal United States governments have criminal courts and criminal charges. In a lot of situations, there is very little overlap between the two courts. For example, something that is punishable in state court may not even be heard in federal court. However, when it comes to drug charges, it is possible for both court systems to get involved in a case.
3 arrested near school for drug possession in Newport
Recently police in Lincoln County served and executed a search warrant at a home in Newport, Oregon. This residence happened to be one-half block from a local high school. In the search, officers from the Lincoln Interagency Narcotics Team claimed that they found methamphetamine, a firearm, packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia.
Police use informant to arrest 2 Oregonians on drug charges
Police use a variety of sources to get information about drug deals, dealers and traffickers. This information is then used to catch people suspected of drug crimes. However, police do have rules on how they can gather information and how they can use the information they obtain. These search and seizure rules are defined by the United States Constitution.
4 Oregon residents face drug trafficking charges
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.
Some drug charges to be dropped following Initiative 502
The landscape of drug offenses could soon be changing in the Pacific Northwest. On Nov. 6, Washington state voted on Initiative 502, which asked whether Washington should legalize marijuana use. Initiative 502 passed with 55 percent of the vote. Under the Initiative it becomes legal for people 21 years old and older to possess 1 ounce or less of marijuana. Furthermore, marijuana will become regulated by the state of Washington. Previously, possession of marijuana in any amount would lead to drug charges. Oregon voters narrowly defeated a similar proposal, known as Measure 80, which would have legalized and regulated marijuana in Oregon.
