While allegations related to a criminal activity can stem from a traffic stop in Texas, people should be cognizant of their rights. A woman who was arrested on several charges after her vehicle stalled may need criminal defense to address the case.
The woman, 28, was with a male passenger at around 8:45 p.m. in San Antonio when her vehicle stalled. Law enforcement was called to the scene. The officers who asked for her driver’s license say that when she attempted to produce it, a pill bottle fell to the ground containing the anti-anxiety medication Alprazolam. The officers also say that she gave a false name.
Once the woman was identified, officers reportedly found she had violated parole. They also believed she was under the influence. During the vehicle and personal search, officers claim to have found open containers of alcohol, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, a scale and baggies. The woman was arrested on a litany of charges including possession of a controlled substance, giving false information to law enforcement, DWI and having an open container. The man, 28, was not charged.
Any criminal charge can be serious with potential penalties including jail time, fines and other consequences. If there are multiple charges stacked on top of each other and prior convictions with outstanding warrants, the penalties may increase. While the allegations faced in a case like this are serious, there may be avenues of criminal defense to explore. Perhaps an individual has an addiction, and treatment could be an alternative to jail time. A plea bargain might be available. A criminal defense attorney may be able to show that the officers violated protocol in their investigation, calling the evidence into question. To forge a defense, consulting with experienced professionals may be helpful.