On Oct. 17, troopers from the Maryland State Police arrested two people for alleged drug and gun crimes during a traffic stop. The incident took place around 12 p.m. in Prince George’s County.
According to media reports, troopers spotted a Chevrolet SUV with suspected illegal tint on its windshield traveling on the 6400 block of Walker Mill Road in Capitol Heights. They pulled the vehicle over and approached it. As they did so, they allegedly smelled the scent of marijuana coming from the SUV’s interior. As a result, they conducted a probable cause search and found a substance believed to be crack cocaine. They also found plastic baggies typically used to distribute drugs, a digital scale and a loaded .380 handgun.
The two occupants of the vehicle, a 45-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman, were taken into custody and driven to the Prince George’s County Department of Corrections for processing. They have each been charged with multiple counts of drug and weapons crimes. The male defendant, a resident of Bowie, was held on a $10,000 bond. The female defendant, a resident of Capitol Heights, was held without bond.
A criminal defense attorney might be able to help individuals who have been arrested on drug charges. After reviewing the case, the attorney may find grounds to fight the charges and get them dropped. For example, law enforcement officers are required to follow certain procedures when conducting searches of an individual’s body or personal property. If these procedures aren’t followed, any evidence collected may be deemed inadmissible in court, causing the charges to be dismissed. However, if the evidence is strong, the attorney might advise negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors. This may lead to a reduction in charges and help the defendant obtain a lighter sentence.