Posted by duijim in on October 29, 2018
A Taliaferro County law enforcement officer recently arrested two individuals during a traffic stop on Interstate 20. The arrest occurred shortly after 300 pounds of marijuana was detected in a secret compartment of a motor home coming from California to Charleston.
Both the driver and passenger are now located in Wilkes County Jail with pending charges. The driver’s motor home was also seized. One of the most common questions asked by people who are pulled and charged with marijuana offenses is what steps they should take when confronted by a law enforcement officer after being pulled over.
This article will discuss some of the important steps that you should take when confronted by law enforcement officers if you have marijuana in your possession.
Remain Respectful of Law Enforcement
If you are pulled over by a police officer, you should remain respectful and act courteously. Take the situation seriously. Quickly comply with any requests given by law enforcement, and try to act naturally. Any suspicious or nervous behavior might cause the officers to wonder if you are hiding something.
Know Your Rights
It is critical to understand the Fourth Amendment and the various protections that it offers. You should also not be afraid to let a law enforcement officer know that you are aware that the Fourth Amendment protects you against unreasonable searches and seizures. Law enforcement must have probable cause to search you or your vehicle for marijuana. Probable cause involves the likelihood that you were committing a certain offense. While legitimate probable cause would not exist just because a motorist was speeding, it could be based on physical symptoms presented by a motorist.
Avoid Excessive Cover Up Smells
While you might be able to get away with a light drop of Febreze, using too much to cover up a smell can be a surefire sign that you are trying to hide something. Instead, rather than make law enforcement think that you are covering up marijuana use, it is best to take the chance that they do not smell anything.
Understand the Applicable Georgia Laws
If you plan on traveling through multiple states like the drivers mentioned in this article, it is a wise idea to learn the applicable laws of each state through which you will travel. Since the legalization of marijuana in some states, there has been a substantial difference in how states treat marijuana. By learning about various marijuana laws, you can avoid behavior that is prohibited in the state through which you are currently traveling.
Speak with an Experienced Marijuana Defense Attorney
Being convicted of marijuana offenses in Georgia can result in substantial penalties. The best way to respond in these situations is to obtain the assistance of an experienced attorney who can make certain that your case resolves in the best possible manner. Contact Yeargan & Kert LLC today to schedule an initial free case evaluation.