Adrian, GA Criminal Defense Law Firms & Lawyers

This is a very serious offense that could result in up to 8 years in prison and a lifetime suspension of his driver's license. These cases often involve a lot of scientific evidence that requires an aggressive litigator to protect the defendant's rights.

It is impossible to advise you whether the police could legally search the vehicle with only the limited facts that you provided. Police need less basis to search an automobile then they do a person's home. Moreover, if an arrest was being made and the car was being impounded incident to the arrest, then an inventory search is permitted. The drug dog, believe it or not, is not considered a search under Michigan law. Since they found a roach on the seat, that is contraband and could be basis for a criminal charge/arrest, leading to a search incident to the arrest. If the vehicle is only impounded because of the arrest and is not evidence, it should be recoverable right away. If evidence, it depends upon the manner it is being used to determine whether the police can keep it indefinitely or not. The owner(s) need to petition the court for the return of the car. Finally, since both people are owners and were present in the car, both could be charged if drugs were found.

They are comparable, you choose. Any conviction can get you deported. When charged with any crime, the proper questions are, can any evidence obtained in a test, search or statement be used against you, can you be convicted, and what can you do? Raise all appropriate defenses with whatever witnesses, evidence and sympathies are available for legal arguments, for evidence suppression, search and seizure, or other motions, or for trial. If you don't know how to represent yourself effectively against an experienced prosecutor intending to convict, then hire an attorney who does, who will try to get a dismissal, charge reduction, diversion, programs, or other decent outcome through motions, plea bargain, or take it to trial if appropriate.