Polk County Traffic Stop Turns Into Drug Arrest
A routine traffic stop in Polk County in January 2024 resulted in a sudden arrest on drug charges for one Haines City man. The man was pulled over because his tailgate was allegedly obscuring his license plate, and after law enforcement asked for his license and registration, the man handed them over. However, he had neglected to brush his license clean of a “white crystalline substance” that later turned out to be methamphetamine.
Multiple Charges Brought
It is not uncommon among meth users to use thick cards like driver’s licenses to ‘break up’ their drugs, and according to a post on X (Twitter), the Polk County Sheriff’s Office had seen such a thing before. After testing the license, the sheriff’s deputy called in a police dog, which then alerted for the presence of other drugs in the vehicle. Eventually, a total of roughly 16 grams of methamphetamine was found in the vehicle, and the Haines City man was taken into custody.
The man was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possessing a vehicle knowingly trafficking drugs, and tampering with physical evidence, as well as with trafficking in methamphetamine. Florida law holds that if a person is found with a certain amount of a drug – that is, more than a specified quantity – they will be charged not with possession, but with drug trafficking. The relevant law states that if one is found with 14 grams or more, a trafficking charge is appropriate.
If You Are Charged
While the arrested man allegedly has been arrested multiple times, the average person being charged with drug trafficking will likely be confused and frightened. Unlike in other surrounding states, Florida law does not require intent to traffick drugs in order for a person to be charged with the crime. However, the sentence for trafficking, if convicted, requires a mandatory minimum of at least 3 years behind bars, plus heavy fines and court costs.
If you have been charged with a similar offense, know that you are entitled to your day in court, and there are defenses you can raise to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case. Some examples include alleged entrapment (inducing a person to commit a crime when they would not have done so absent such inducement), illegal search and seizure, problems with the chain of custody, and others.
Contact A West Palm Beach Drug Trafficking Attorney
While the Haines City man still awaits trial, your case may move faster or slower. A West Palm Beach drug crimes attorney from the firm of Perlet & Shiner, P.A. can help protect your rights in court, and make sure your voice is heard. Contact our office today at (561) 721-0552 to speak to an attorney.
Source:
msn.com/en-us/news/crime/routine-traffic-stop-turns-into-drug-bust-when-driver-hands-officer-his-license-with-meth-on-it-deputies/ar-BB1h5w48
