Louisiana detectives allegedly observed a drug deal taking place and proceeded to follow the suspected vehicle. As officers subsequently made a traffic stop of the vehicle, one suspect ran. Both were apprehended and now face drug charges.
Narcotics detectives in Louisiana reportedly witnessed a drug deal in a local business parking lot. Upon viewing the transaction, the detectives followed the vehicle to perform a traffic stop as it drove down the highway. Before the vehicle came to a complete stop, officers allege that a male individual opened the passenger side door and fled on foot. The 24-year-old suspect was later arrested, and charged with resisting an officer and criminal trespassing. The other individual reportedly involved, a 32-year-old man, was charged with six counts, including intent to distribute heroin.
Individuals charged with a crime may be detained by officers but it does not mean they lose all of their rights as citizens. The U.S. Constitution’s Fourth Amendment protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. The individuals in this case were apprehended on drug charges. The officers involved had specific procedures they were required to abide by when attempting to discover the evidence and information that led to the charges.
If the officers involved did not properly stop the vehicle during the traffic stop, improperly interrogated the suspects or discovered evidence without a lawful search, any resulting statements or evidence would be inadmissible at a later trial. This can greatly affect a prosecutor’s ability to bring a criminal case against a defendant.
Those who have been charged with drug crimes of any sort, such as the individuals here, deserve to have their rights upheld. Officers must abide by procedural safeguards in place to guarantee these rights. A solid criminal defense may help a defendant determine if the officers involved properly followed the applicable standards or if some evidence was obtained illegally and thus cannot be used in court.
Source: Gonzales Weekly Citizen, “Baton Rouge man arrested in Ascension Parish on drug charges,” Aug. 13, 2014
Source: Gonzales Weekly Citizen, “Baton Rouge man arrested in Ascension Parish on drug charges,” Aug. 13, 2014