New Jersey police officers recently charged two women with multiple drug violations. A police officer initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle traveling 15 miles over the speed limit. He indicated that the passenger in the vehicle was talkative and kept complaining that she was nine months pregnant and ill. He allegedly noticed a powdery substance on the tip of her nose.
The driver was then asked to exit the vehicle. He accuses her of clutching a glass vial which contained crack cocaine, and he claims he saw the passenger throwing a small object from the window. A back up officer arrived and obtained consent to search, allegedly retrieving less than 50 grams of marijuana and drug paraphernalia from the inside of the vehicle. Their ground search yielded more paraphernalia and crack cocaine. Both women were charged with possession of cocaine, possession of drug marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Both women could face consequences if convicted. They might benefit from using a criminal defense attorney. An attorney could review the charges and explain the possible outcomes of the case. They might also help negotiate plea deals. Attorneys could also ask the court to consider a drug diversion center or rehabilitation facility in place of jail time.
Convictions are based upon the evidence presented. An attorney may be able to build a defense by investigating the circumstances. They could determine whether a search and seizure was lawful or not. Illegal searches could result in an attorney asking the court to suppress certain evidence or get charges reduced.