Facing criminal charges, especially serious drug charges, is an uncertain and fearful experience. A group of men from New York are in such a situation after being arrested by police.
In late October, the Chittenango Police Department was made aware of potential narcotics activity in a Chittenango neighborhood. There was a complaint made that narcotics were being sold out of a home. After the police responded to the home, they executed a search warrant and arrested four men. The charges of the men (who were aged between 23 and 44) ranged in scope and included fourth-degree conspiracy, unlawful possession of marijuana, first-degree criminal nuisance, tampering with physical evidence, petit larceny, seventh-degree possession of marijuana and others.
On that same day, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office also stopped a vehicle driven by a 42-year-old man. After a search, the police found five grams of crack cocaine. The man was charged with felony third-degree possession of a controlled substance, felony fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.
While being confronted with such charges is certainly frightening, being charged with a crime doesn’t mean you’ve been found guilty of a crime. Seeking proper representation in these situations is crucial to defending yourself. Making sure all elements of investigations and searches performed by police were handled correctly is necessary. If protocol wasn’t followed, not all charges may hold water. Fighting to opt for drug rehabilitation programs is another possible way of turning a negative situation into a more positive and constructive one. Those facing such situations should contact an attorney experienced in handling drug charges.
Source: wktv.com, “Utica Man, NY Mills Man Among 5 Facing Drug Charges In Madison County,” Nov. 8, 2017