On April 23, Florida authorities arrested two people during a drug raid at a Santa Clara County home. One of the defendants was arrested because he walked up to the scene of the raid with drugs in his pocket.
According to law enforcement records, deputies from the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit served a search warrant at a Milton residence, which was occupied by a 36-year-old woman. During a search of the property, they allegedly found unspecified amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, oxycodone pills and marijuana. They additionally found digital scales, plastic baggies and a notebook that appeared to list drug prices. While the drug raid was underway, a 42-year-old man approached the home and told two deputies standing outside that he was there to see the woman who lived there. The deputies searched him and allegedly found methamphetamine in his pocket.
The woman was arrested and charged with unspecified drug crimes. She was released on a $7,500 bond. The man was also arrested and charged with possession of illegal narcotics. He was taken to the Santa Rosa County Jail for processing and held without bond.
An individual facing drug charges has the right to work with a criminal defense attorney and mount a vigorous defense against the allegations. In cases with weak evidence, it may be possible to challenge the prosecution’s case and get the charges dismissed. In cases with solid evidence, legal counsel could negotiate a plea deal that mitigates the charges and lowers the penalties. For example, some plea bargains allow first-time offenders to attend drug diversion programs instead of going to jail.
