On April 12, one woman and three men were taken into custody after a Nebraska State Patrol trooper allegedly found cocaine and marijuana in their vehicle during a traffic stop. The defendants face multiple drug charges.
According to authorities, the four defendants were pulled over for speeding on Highway 88. The trooper who executed the traffic stop claimed to smell marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and called for backup. Deputies from the Scotts Bluff County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene, and all three law enforcement officers conducted a search of the defendants and the vehicle. The search allegedly uncovered 76 grams of marijuana, 17 grams of cocaine, 2 grams of hash oil, two drug scales, two empty bottles of cannabis extract, a container with marijuana residue and $819 in cash.
The defendants, who range in age from 18 to 20, have been charged with various felonies, misdemeanors and infractions. The felony charges include possession of cocaine with the intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and possession of money while violating drug statutes. The misdemeanor and infraction charges include possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding. All four defendants were arraigned in Scotts Bluff County Court and held on bond.
Just because someone is facing drug trafficking or other charges does not mean he or she will automatically be convicted. With the aid of a criminal defense attorney, a defendant might be able to fight the allegations and avoid conviction. An attorney may be able to challenge police evidence and scrutinize their actions for any signs of misconduct. A lawyer may work to protect a defendant’s rights and provide legal advice throughout all court proceedings.
Source: Star Herald, “Four face drug charges after Nebraska State Patrol stops drive for speeding,” Maunette Loeks, April 13, 2018