Any form of criminal charge can be a difficult thing to come to terms with, particularly if you have been falsely accused. Even without a conviction, the worry and the effect on your personal and professional life can be a severe emotional strain. However, residents of Illinois should bear in mind that an important aspect of criminal defense is that you are innocent until proven guilty.
Even so, you have to be prepared to contest the charges against you and that can be difficult in the face of incriminating evidence. In the early hours of a Saturday morning, a man from Godfrey was stopped by Madison County Sheriff’s deputy. The stop is alleged to have been due to a registration violation, but it resulted in a search.
The driver is said to have been in possession of a pipe that is believed to have been used for cannabis. Allegedly, the search also turned up alprazolam tablets and a bag of cannabis. He was taken in custody on a charge of being in possession of drug paraphernalia. He has further been charged with unlawful possession of cannabis and of a controlled substance, the alprazolam.
He was taken to Madison County Jail, with his bond set at $15,000 by the judge. The matter is still awaiting a formal review of its facts and details. The accused is only 19 years old, so the result of these charges could have a huge impact on the rest of his life, particularly if they lead to a conviction.
Other residents of Illinois may feel sympathetic to this man’s plight. A simple traffic stop has turned into drug charges that could dramatically affect his future. If you are facing criminal charges, it is important to act quickly and carefully. An attorney may be able to help you understand your rights and present your side of the story in the face of any accusations.
Source: The Telegraph, “Godfrey man facing drug charges,” April 28, 2014