Driving in Utah is highly regulated. There are rules about how fast people can go, how old they have to be to drive, where people can drive and others. In order to enforce these rules, police officers from across the state are busy on the roadways issuing traffic citations. Occasionally, police will pull over a vehicle in order to enforce these rules, but end up charging the driver or passengers with other crimes.
In many cases, these crimes can involve drugs. If police find drugs during a traffic stop, arrests and drug charges are likely for those inside the car.
Recently, the 24-year-old driver of a car was arrested and charged with various drug crimes following a traffic stop. The man has been charged with use of drug paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia and other criminal charges.
According to police, they stopped the car because it was inappropriately using its high beams. During the stop, they claim to have noticed that the driver dropped a syringe into the backseat of the car. They also allege that the driver had bloodshot eyes and was nervous. After questioning the driver, police say he admitted that he dropped the syringe.
Police also claim that the driver’s passenger also admitted to drug possession during the stop. She was eventually charged with possession or use of a controlled substance and possession of two schedule IV substances and possession of schedule I substance, among others.
Drug possession charges that result from a traffic stop are serious. People can face serious penalties including jail or prison time, fines, probation and more. However, people need to be aware that they have rights during a traffic stop. They do not have to admit to drug use to police, nor do they have to submit to police questioning without an attorney. People need to make sure these rights are protected during and after a traffic stop that result in drug charges.
Source: Daily Herald, “Two arrested on multiple drug charges after traffic stop,” Candi Higley, June 5, 2014