A number of individuals from Louisiana were arrested in a neighboring state for an alleged drug operation. The arrests were for both suspected felonies and misdemeanors, and drug charges included reported possession of spice, sale and possession of Ecstasy, possession of Tramadol with intent to distribute, possession of oxycodone, sales and possession of marijuana, and possession of so-called counterfeit cocaine with intention to distribute. Bonds for those arrested ranged anywhere from $25,000 to $100,000.
What were particularly striking about the arrests were the ages of the suspects. While one individual arrested was 27-years old, the other 13 charged were 23-years old or younger. There was also one juvenile arrested for supposedly selling spice and another for selling marijuana.
What we are looking at here are a large number of individuals that are barely adults facing criminal sentences for drug possession. Though many of them probably have never been in trouble with the law in the past, they are now facing the possibility of very hard time.
If their cases are handled correctly, there’s an extremely good chance that they will never be arrested again. Attorneys that have worked with suspected drug offenders in the past can provide that advice and also provide resources for individuals that may be struggling with a number of personal issues, or may just have been at the wrong place at the wrong time.
We cannot afford to treat individuals accused of drug offenses in an assembly line fashion. Every arrest is unique, and we need to base any sentencing upon that person’s circumstances. We can also not afford to presume these individuals are guilty of any crime until prosecutors produce actual evidence.
Source: Sun Herald, “Biloxi police, MBN arrest 14 in ’90 to Nothing’ drug operation,” by Robin Fitzgerald, June 24, 2013
