A Hernando County deputy stopped to assist a motorist in need during the early hours of the morning. The suspect, 24-year old Joshua Hope, acted suspiciously and the deputy called another traffic officer to assist. Hope submitted to field sobriety testing, but the officers did not feel he was impaired or driving under the influence.
Officers permitted Hope to contact a friend for a ride home. The friend had to travel an hour to pick up Hope. In the meantime, officers at the scene requested to search the vehicle. Hope denied access, but a drug dog alerted the officer to the scent of narcotics. Deputies found a safe in the floorboard of the vehicle containing 3 grams of meth and a .38 caliber revolver. Officers arrested and charged Hope with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Possessing illegal drugs is considered a serious criminal offense in the State of Florida. Penalties are often maximized for cases involving firearms, as with the above scenario. In certain drug possession incidences, the Court is agreeable to the option of alternative sentencing versus jail time. Alternative sentencing would include court mandated treatment programs, counseling and drug testing.
As a Tampa drug crime lawyer, I look at all sides of the case. I understand that sometimes officers use illegal search and seizure techniques to secure an arrest. The fourth amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects suspects against questionable searches and seizures. The officer must have probable cause, or reason to believe a crime may have been committed and follow certain search and seizure guidelines.
I am a Tampa felony lawyer. I understand the ramifications of a criminal conviction on your record. My firm has over 100 years of combined legal experience and has handled countless Tampa DUI and drug cases. Do not trust your future to anyone less than the best. Contact Musca Law today for help with your case.
