Police officers have an unfavorable reputation for planting drugs on suspects. Because of recent news coverage, there is great interest in the matter.
According to USA Today, thousands of officers receive disciplinary strikes every decade. How many are guilty of planting drugs on those who are clean remains undetermined. Here is some information worth knowing if you face a false arrest for drug possession.
What the consequences are of drug possession
Penalties for carrying drugs vary depending on the state and surrounding circumstances. In New York, a Class A misdemeanor violation could result in a year in jail and a fine of $1,000. For a Class E felony, someone can receive up to four years in prison and a fine of $5,000.
What to do if a police officer plants drugs on you
Cooperate in every way with the authorities. Lashing out will bring other legitimate charges and reduce the odds of winning your case.
File a motion to find out whether there are similar accusations against the officer. Next, gather witnesses. You want people with first-hand accounts, as well as those who know you and can attest to your character.
The task of proving your innocence is more difficult when drugs are part of your history. For best results, you should have at least two years of sobriety under your belt.
Hire an investigator to speak with other officers. If you are lucky, a PI will uncover someone willing to speak out in the interest of preserving your civil rights.
Be aware of the possibility that someone in blue might plant drugs on you. If that happens, take these actions to prove your innocence.