When there is a suspicion of illegal activities, authorities will seek to have a search warrant issued to search a residence, vehicle or person. If authorized, officers can conduct a search which may uncover evidence that could cause an individual or group of people to face criminal charges. When authorities locate drugs in the possession of a suspect, those suspects could face serious drug charges. Depending on the legality of the search and seizure, those charges could stick and the defendant could face serious penalties.
Five suspects were recently arrested on drug charges in Mount Vernon. According to police reports, the five suspects were at a senior residence at the time of the arrest. After a search warrant was executed for the senior residence, officers located and seized a quantity of crack cocaine. In addition, narcotics paraphernalia was found as well. All five suspects were arrested for criminal possession of a controlled substance.
According to reports, three of the five arrested were residents of the senior building. No matter a person’s age, they could face serious criminal charges such as drug possession in New York. In these matters, the accused can initiate their defense by conducting an independent investigation. This helps establish whether the search and seizure process was conducted properly. If offers failed to lawfully search or seize, evidence may be inadmissible and charges might be reduced or dropped.
When a defendant faces drug charges, an assertive defense strategy is invaluable. This could mean working with co-defendants or making an independent defense. No matter what route is most fitting, it should be taken with up-to-date knowledge about the situation and options available. Seeking guidance helps ensure defendants make an appropriate legal defense choice following an arrest.
Source: Eyewitness News 7, “Mount Vernon police arrest five on drug charges at senior residence,” Peggy Malloy, June 30, 2014