Two teenagers were taken into custody by police in Florida on April 5 after a routine traffic stop in Lynn Haven allegedly led to the discovery of drugs and drug paraphernalia. According to reports, the 19-year-old man behind the wheel of the car and his 18-year-old female companion were traveling back to Tennessee after celebrating spring break in the Bay County area.
A Lynn Haven Police Department report indicates that officers originally pulled the vehicle in question over for exceeding the posted speed limit. However, the nature of the traffic stop changed when officers say that they noticed the distinct odor of marijuana emanating from the car. A subsequent search is said to have yielded about 14 ounces of the drug packaged in a way that indicated it was for sale. Police also claim to have discovered electronic scales and a handgun. A further 5 grams of marijuana was allegedly found when the man was searched.
Police say that the woman admitted that the drugs found in the car, the scales and the firearm belonged to her. She has been charged with a felony count of drug possession with the intent to distribute, using a firearm in the commission of a felony and possessing drug paraphernalia. The man was charged with misdemeanor drug possession and cited for speeding.
Individuals who are taken into custody along with others sometimes confess to criminal activity hoping that their cooperation will secure the release of their friends. Experienced criminal defense attorneys may understand theses urges, but they could advise those in such situations to resist them. Most cases involving drug possession are resolved by plea agreements, which can be more difficult for defense attorneys to negotiate when their clients have confessed.
Source: ABC News Channel 9, “Hixson teens arrested with guns, drugs in Florida”, Joshua Lillard, April 6, 2018
