Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
On Valentine’s Day, a Heflin, LA woman was involved in a rollover crash that ultimately resulted in her arrest. According to a news article at the Minden Press-Herald, 54-year-old Pamela Doyle crashed her vehicle at the intersection of Tillman Church Rd. and Highway 371.
A deputy with the Webster Parish Sheriff’s Dept. arrived at the scene of the accident, finding Doyle had a laceration to the head; she complained of head pain, and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. While en route to the hospital, deputies found a glass pipe with what they suspected was methamphetamine crystals on it. According to the police report, when deputies inventoried the vehicle they saw the pipe and meth in “plain view” in the passenger side floorboard.
Deputies also searched Doyle’s handbag and found a substance they suspected to be methamphetamine in a plastic baggie. They also reportedly discovered Xanax pills in her purse upon further processing.
Doyle was arrested after being released from the hospital and transported to the Bayou Dorcheat Correctional Center. She is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of Schedule IV CDS, possession of Schedule II CDS, and careless operation.
In Louisiana, possession of Schedule II CDS (controlled dangerous substance) may result in five to 30 years in prison, depending on the drug involved.
Is searching a vehicle following an accident legal? In some cases, however the protection against unlawful search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment makes arbitrary car searches by police illegal. There are certain circumstances in which police may search a vehicle, such as if the owner has given permission, there is probable cause for the officer to believe evidence of a crime is inside, a valid search warrant has been obtained, or evidence is, as the deputies claimed in the case above, in “plain view.” How do we know the glass pipe and meth were actually in plain view?
When arrested for a drug crime, there are many factors that may be challenged by defense attorneys. Law enforcement officials do make mistakes and overstep their boundaries, which could result in evidence being thrown out.
Anyone in Michigan who has been charged with possession of methamphetamine or any controlled substance should take action immediately to protect your freedom and future. Regardless of how minor or serious the allegations, contact a qualified and aggressive Michigan drug crimes lawyer to ensure your legal rights are protected, and a vigorous defense developed.