Two Arrested on Felony Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop in Newark

Delaware State Police arrested two individuals for felony drug offenses following a traffic stop that occurred in Newark, DE. According to the report, on July 23, 2024, at approximately 6:25 p.m., a state trooper on patrol in the area of Pulaski Highway observed a silver Dodge Avenger improperly change lanes as it turned right from Pulaski Highway onto Perch Creek Road. The Avenger entered a Wawa parking lot as the trooper conducted a computer inquiry of the Avenger’s Maryland registration. The trooper discovered that the registration had expired. The Avenger exited the parking lot at a high rate of speed and got onto the Pulaski Highway before it turned into a Walgreens parking lot. The trooper conducted the traffic stop in the Walgreens parking lot and the driver of the Avenger immediately exited the car. The defendant proceeded to disregard multiple verbal commands to get back into his car but was taken into custody without incident. When the trooper made contact with the Avenger’s passenger, he saw a clear knotted bag containing an off-white rock-like substance that he suspected was crack cocaine on the driver-side floorboard. The clear bag contained 14.57 grams of crack cocaine and a broken glass pipe with burn marks.

Both suspects were charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance Tier 2 Quantity,  Conspiracy in the 2nd Degree, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Analyzing the charges 

The defendant has been charged with possessing 10 grams or more of a cocaine-related substance (Tier 2 Quantity). When charging an individual with a drug offense, Delaware categorizes the amount of drugs into tiers ranging from 1 to 5. Tier 1 is the least serious charge you can face. Tier 5 is generally trafficking quantity.

Possessing or using an illegal drug or controlled substance is known as simple possession, a class B misdemeanor. Those who plead guilty to such charges would typically face probation and the payment of a fine and court costs. If you are found in possession of an illegal drug or controlled substance, and you commit an aggravating factor, the crime can be elevated to a class A misdemeanor. Those found in possession of a Tier 2 quantity can be charged with a class E felony. A class E felony is punishable by a maximum prison sentence of 5 years.

Possession of drug paraphernalia is also a crime. This includes implements used for using drugs. The officer found a pipe in the possession of the suspects. That triggered a Possession of Drug Paraphernalia charge. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia is considered a class B misdemeanor.

Talk to a Wilmington, DE Drug Crimes Attorney Today 

Have you been charged with possession of a controlled substance? If so, call the Wilmington criminal defense attorneys at the Law Office of Michael W. Modica today to schedule an appointment and allow us to begin preparing your defense immediately.

Source:

dsp.delaware.gov/2024/07/27/troopers-arrest-pair-for-felony-drug-offenses-following-traffic-stop-in-newark/