In Milwaukee and elsewhere, drug charges are not taken lightly. Those convicted of drug charges, such as drug possession, could face serious penalties that may impact the lives of the accused and their families. Recently, a Milwaukee man was charged with drug possession after police say they found marijuana in his mouth.
Police say that the Milwaukee man was attempting to steal watches at a local Kmart store. According to police reports, a Kmart security officer saw the man take two watches into the men’s restroom. The security officer reportedly went into the restroom and found empty boxes used for the watches and a watch that was broken. When the man tried to leave the store, he was stopped by Kmart security. Kmart security contacted police who say they found four bags of marijuana in the man’s mouth. The man was charged with possession of THC and retail theft. Despite the serious charges, the accused man is innocent until proven guilty. This is merely law enforcement’s side of the story.
In a drug possession case, prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused knew that the drug was a controlled substance and possessed, had access to or had control of the drug. There are two main categories of drug possession charges: simple possession and possession with intent to sell the drug. Simple possession is generally for the defendant’s own use and imposes a lighter sentence if the accused is convicted. Those charged with possession with intent to sell face potentially more serious penalties.
Depending on the circumstances, several defenses may apply that can reduce the potential penalties. Those accused of serious drug crimes should be fully aware of these defenses and their rights as there may be present and future consequences if criminally accused or convicted. It is best to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to plan a solid defense against the charges.
Source: Greenfield WI, Patch, “Four Baggies of Marijuana in Man’s Mouth During Shoplifting Arrest, Police Say,” Joe Petrie, Oct. 17, 2012