In Florida, Brevard County residents who find themselves facing criminal charges related to impaired driving while in possession of a controlled substance may be interested in a case that is unfolding on the opposite side of the state. According to media sources, two people have been taken into custody after authorities allegedly discovered narcotics inside their abandoned vehicle in Walton County on May 15.
Sources indicate that the vehicle was abandoned in DeFuniak Springs south of Ponce de Leon along State Road 81. When Walton County Sheriff’s Office deputies drove by, the car’s flashers were on, and the doors were open, revealing what authorities described as large amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine inside. A 37-year-old woman and her 34-year-old male companion, who allegedly admitted that the drugs belonged to them, were located a short time later.
Both individuals were detained by deputies and are now facing multiple charges, including six counts of possession of a controlled substance, trafficking methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia with residue and possession of drug paraphernalia. The man was also charged with unlawful possession of an ID card after deputies discovered him carrying a fake ID that identified him as an Alabama law enforcement official.
In this case, neither of the individuals is facing driving under the influence or related charges. However, Florida residents who do find themselves charged with DUI in addition to possession of a controlled substance may find it beneficial to seek advice from a criminal justice attorney. Dependent upon the particulars of each unique situation, the attorney could identify viable defense strategies and litigate on behalf of clients when it appears to be in their best interests to go to trial.
Source: NWF Daily News, “Deputies find abandoned car stashed with drugs,” Leah Johnson, May 16, 2016