The Law Office of James R. Snell Jr. November 2017

Steps to Take if You’ve Been Arrested on a Drug Crime Why a Drug Arrest Isn’t the End of the Road

Being arrested for any drug-related crime in South Carolina is serious business. Many charges carry the possibility of long prison sentences and high fines. All convictions carry the potential for a jail sentence, a mandatory criminal record, and driver’s license suspension. Due to the nature of drug cases, however, there are a number of ways charges can be resolved before trial begins. Drug crimes are different than most criminal charges. This uniqueness results from the fact that drugs are handled largely in private and by willing participants. Unlike, say, a bank robbery, where an aggrieved party will most certainly have evidence and testimony to turn over to the police, drug arrests force police to cut corners. No other type of case tests the Fourth Amendment, which protects against unreasonable search and seizure, as much as drug cases. When looking into drug arrests, police conduct should always be evaluated. Even when evidence feels overwhelming, there are multiple ways for those accused of a simple possession of marijuana or related crimes to get a second chance. One way is through diversion programs. Under this type of agreement, the defendant will submit to regular drug testing and any other

special requirements imposed by the court. If the defendant meets all requirements, their case may be eligible for expungement from their record. Pretrial intervention, which is like diversion with stricter requirements, can be an option in more serious cases. People with diagnosed addiction issues have the option of seeking dismissal of charges through drug court. Defendants may be eligible for admission into drug court even for non-drug offenses if their crimes were motivated by their addiction. Drug court is the strictest form of all diversion programs, and like pretrial intervention it requires the specific consent of the solicitor’s office.

Now, there’s no getting around the fact that drug charges need to be taken seriously. But too often, people respond to arrest with a complete sense of hopelessness. You have options, and the experienced attorneys at the Law Office of James R. Snell, Jr. will help you explore them fully.

MEMEs

Brussels Sprouts

With Sausage

Looking for an easy, delicious Thanksgiving side dish? This gem requires only a few ingredients.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup water

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper

3 1/3 ounces fresh, hot Italian sausage

1½ pounds Brussels sprouts

INSTRUCTIONS

4. When sprouts are just about done, remove cover and raise heat to medium-high. Cook,

1. Trim sprouts and cut in half. 2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, stirring occasionally, 3–5 minutes. 3. Add sprouts to skillet. Add 1/2 cup water. Add salt and pepper. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until just tender. Check them periodically and add a bit more water, if necessary.

stirring just once or twice, for a couple more minutes. The liquid should evaporate, and the sprouts should start to brown.

5. Add more salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot or warm. Serves 4.

Recipe courtesy of InTheKitchenWithKath.com.

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