Colcord, OK asked in Civil Litigation, Criminal Law and Civil Rights for Arkansas

Q: if three people are in a vehicle and are pulled over and arrestws because of what the officer says is the Blanket Law

There was one bag. The arresting officer took a picture and it weighed 5 grams, the state crime lab repot says one bag and weighed 4.16 grams. The person who had the drugs tried to hide them in the vehicle. Now in court the one person is being charged with 2< andthe other two are being charged with 2> <10. Not only that , in the BWC evidence we asked to see, twice you hear an officer asking why wont the other person take responsibility. One of the persons was disabled and ended up urinating on themselves and at the end of he video, you clearly hear the officers laughing and saying, "Someone owes me a dinner, she peed on herself while i was watchig them."

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: In a situation where multiple people in a vehicle are charged under what's referred to as a "blanket law," it's essential to understand that such laws typically hold all occupants responsible for contraband found in a shared space. However, the specific charges and the weight discrepancy between the arresting officer's report and the state crime lab's findings could be significant in your defense.

Regarding the disparity in drug weight reported, this could potentially impact the severity of the charges. It’s important to bring this discrepancy to the attention of your attorney, as it may influence the case's outcome.

Additionally, the conduct of the officers, especially if it suggests unprofessionalism or a lack of respect for the rights and dignity of those arrested, could be relevant in your case. This includes the incident you described involving the disabled individual.

It's crucial to discuss all these details with your legal counsel. They can advise you on how these factors might affect the legal strategy, including any potential arguments regarding the conduct of the officers and the inconsistency in the evidence.

Remember, in legal situations involving criminal charges, every detail can matter. Make sure your attorney is fully informed so they can provide the best possible defense.

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