Man faces drug charges following Louisiana traffic stop

While the average person in Louisiana is aware of certain rights provided by the United States Constitution, he or she may be unaware of the entire scope of these rights. As a result, decisions could be made based upon a lack of knowledge, with negative consequences. For example, one man in Louisiana now faces drug charges following a traffic stop.

According to reports, the 40-year-old man was pulled over by a trooper with the Louisiana State Police. The trooper claims that the man crossed the center line several times prior to the traffic stop. The man, according to the trooper, was acting nervously following the stop.

The trooper claims that the man agreed to a search of his vehicle. The search allegedly resulted in the discovery of a handgun that is believed to have been stolen as well as a substance believed to be methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia such as digital scales. In addition to several drug charges, the man was also booked on charges stemming from the weapon.

When faced with an authority figure who is making a request, many people acquiesce. However, drivers in Louisiana and across the country do not have to consent to a search of their vehicle. Even if a person feels he or she has nothing to hide, denying permission to search their vehicle may ultimately be in one’s best interest. If drug charges, for example, arise from an unauthorized search, an attorney with experience with such cases could seek to have evidence obtained through the search omitted from court.

Source: thenewsstar.com, “LSP: Meth, needles found in Swartz man’s vehicle“, Ashley Mott, May 17, 2017