How a broken headlight led to a need for criminal defense

Georgia police often station themselves on the side of the road to monitor traffic. If they see a traffic violation or a situation that raises suspicion, they can quickly merge into traffic, activate their siren and lights and pursue their subject of interest in order to make a traffic stop. Sometimes, what begins with a seemingly minor issue winds up with one or more vehicle occupants in need of criminal defense assistance.

That’s basically what happened at approximately 11 p.m. on Interstate 16 in Macon on a recent Monday. Two people riding together were confronted by patrol officers who reportedly stated that the reason for the stop was that a headlight was not functioning. Deputies also said they had witnessed the driver making several quick lane changes.

The deputy who approached the driver’s window reported that he smelled marijuana inside the vehicle. Some moments later, a K-9 unit is said to have alerted the officers to drugs in the rear of the vehicle. Police conducted a full search of the car and placed the driver and her passenger under arrest after seizing what they claimed was methamphetamine and marijuana. The pair were transported to a county jail, and no bond was set initially.

If a Georgia traffic stop leads to drug charges, it is always a good idea for the defendant in question to request criminal defense support rather than try to navigate the criminal justice system alone. An experienced attorney can review a case and determine which defense strategy would likely produce the most positive results. Criminal charges do not necessarily mean a conviction will be handed down in court; the aggressive efforts of an experienced criminal lawyer can often help a defendant fight for a reduction in charges or an outright dismissal.