According to Maryland State Troopers, three individuals were taken into custody just outside of Berlin on Dec. 27 after suspected drugs were discovered inside a vehicle. Law enforcement officials say that they discovered a baggie containing suspected cocaine, 58 capsules of bath salts or methamphetamine in a baggie, and nine capsules of suspected bath salts or methamphetamine in another baggie. The approximate street value of the cocaine is between $400 and $500, and the approximate street value of the capsules is reportedly between $800 and $1,000. Additionally, troopers also claim to have found $1,186.
Troopers made the discovery after stopping an SUV on Routes 575 and 113 for speeding, according to local news outlets. Although it was not reported what led authorities to conduct a search of the vehicle, all three individuals were taken into custody and were later released on a bond of $25,000. The three individuals are all facing four drug charges.
The penalties for a conviction on drug charges may be severe, including prison time, fines, community service and probation. Individuals with criminal convictions on record may have trouble finding work and housing in the future.
In this story, the suspected drugs were discovered inside a vehicle with three occupants. The evidence that all three people were in possession of the drugs might be circumstantial. If the defendants acknowledge some responsibility for the drugs, a plea bargain might be a preferable option. A defense lawyer might work with the prosecution to reduce some of the penalties in exchange for information or a guilty plea. However, if there was no probable cause for the search, it may be possible to have the charges dismissed.
Source: Sachem Patch, "Farmingville Man Faces Drug Charges In Maryland", Michael Sorrentino, December 30, 2013
