On June 7, a Florida man was arrested on drug charges after authorities tracked him down for failing to appear in court on domestic violence charges. The incident took place in Ocala.
Media reports indicate that deputies from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office received a tip that the 31-year-old defendant was staying at a home on the 6400 block of Northwest 11th Avenue. When they went to that location, they saw two men run inside the home and close the door. As they approached the house, they claimed that could detect the odor of marijuana and told everyone to exit the residence.
Deputies later entered the home with a search warrant and reportedly discovered heroin, methamphetamine, various pills, drug paraphernalia and a handgun in the defendant’s bedroom. He was arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and heroin. He is also facing charges stemming from a November 2018 incident in which he allegedly physically assaulted a woman who owed him money. According to police records, the woman claims he choked her, spit on her and attempted to dunk her head in a toilet. She also claims she cut her foot on broken glass during the struggle and had to go to the hospital for treatment. In April, another woman reported that the defendant choked her and burned her with a lit cigarette.
Drug charges can lead to lengthy prison terms, steep fines and a permanent criminal record. However, a criminal defense attorney may help a defendant navigate the legal system and develop a defense to the charges. In some situations, the charges might be dismissed. In others, legal counsel may recommend arranging a plea deal that reduces the charges.
Source: Ocala, “Man, 31, faces drug trafficking charges,” Austin Miller, June 8, 2019
