Traffic stops are a daily occurrence on most roadways. Officers can stop vehicles for various reasons, and while some of those stops could end with a warning or a ticket for speeding, some could have more serious outcomes. For example, if an officer suspects that there are controlled substances in a vehicle, charges for drug violations could occur.
One woman in Florida was recently taken into custody after such a scenario. Reports indicated that the 36-year-old woman was a passenger in an SUV when an officer stopped the vehicle for running a stop sign. After approaching the SUV, the officer allegedly saw drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle. As a result, he asked both the driver and passenger to exit the vehicle.
The officer saw a book bag on the passenger seat, and after looking inside, the officer allegedly found a small bag containing pills that were later identified as Xanax inside a cigarette pack. The woman stated that the drugs were not hers. Nonetheless, she was taken into custody and is currently facing a criminal charge for possession of a controlled substance. Her bond was set at $2,000.
Allegations of drug violations can be difficult to address. Of course, each case is different and the available defense options are also different, so this Florida woman will certainly want to ensure that she knows what options are open to her. It may take some time to find the right approach, but she may feel more confident after gaining more knowledge about her particular case.