Police are empowered to seek drugs as part of drug violation charges in some cases but not in all others. In general, law enforcement officers hold to the doctrine of probable cause when they are seeking evidence or entering private property. This means that police must have a reasonable suspicion of criminal behavior or imminent danger in order to investigate without a warrant.
Drugs may be discovered on a person or in a property as police are looking into other problems. For example, drug charges are pending against a man from Frederick who was also arrested on gun charges.
Officers were responding to a call about a disturbance in Mount Airy after a motorist apparently struck a guardrail with a vehicle. The driver appeared unstable when they arrived so they retrieved the man’s wallet from the car to look for identification.
A container with 12 capsules of a substance that later proved to be heroin was in the car next to the defendant’s wallet. They also discovered a handgun in the car’s glove compartment. A search for the weapon’s serial number showed it to be stolen. The man is now facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after being released on bond.
Anyone facing drug charges or other criminal charges in Maryland has the right to legal representation present at any time, as well as legal counsel when faced with questions from law enforcement officers or prosecutors. A lawyer can help work with others to reduce charges, investigate charges or build a defense for an appearance in a court of law.