Thousands of people are pulled over for traffic violations each and every day. While most of the stops are fairly routine, resulting in a citation that many people choose to simply pay by mailing in their fine, some can lead to much more serious charges against the driver or others in the vehicle. One man now faces a drug charge after a recent traffic stop in Chicago.
A 22-year-old man was pulled over in early March. Reports indicate that he was initially pulled over for traffic violations. Police claim that they found approximately 25 pounds of what they believe to be crystal methamphetamine. It is estimated that the drugs that were allegedly found under a front seat and in a locked box in the back of the vehicle are worth approximately $1.75 million.
The man now faces criminal charges that include felony possession of a narcotic. Despite the accusations against the man, there are still several questions to be answered. For example, it is unclear what specific traffic violations he was pulled over for or why a search of the man’s vehicle was initiated in the first place.
Regardless of what a person is suspected or accused of doing, everyone in this country has certain rights that cannot be denied. While these rights are numerous, some relate specifically to the right to privacy and to be accorded the due process of law. These rights must be respected at all times. Given that, Chicago prosecutors will have to provide enough evidence to prove in a criminal courtroom that the man is guilty of the drug charge beyond a reasonable doubt. In many cases, this high standard is difficult to meet.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle, Man arrested in Chicago area on meth charges, No author, March 3, 2014