A 29-year-old man arrested by the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Department appeared in court on May 3 with a bandage on his head. He said the injury occurred at the time of his arrest. Law enforcement entered his home in Kirkland on May 2 with a search warrant in a predawn raid. They reported finding over a half pound of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, hash oil and a baggie with cocaine residue.
He faces multiple criminal charges that could send him to prison for up to five years if he is convicted on the most serious charge. Authorities accused him of possession of drug paraphernalia, drug possession and intent to deliver marijuana.
He remains in jail awaiting the outcome of a hearing that could raise his bond from its current amount, $25,000. The bond necessary for his release could rise because his current charges violate the conditions of his release after a previous violation of an order of protection.
A person in a similar situation could ask an attorney to be present at the bond hearing and other court appearances. A lawyer could take actions to protect the client’s rights and question any unlawful conduct that law enforcement might have committed. An attorney could also scrutinize evidence to see if it clearly supports serious charges such as intent to distribute or drug manufacturing. If evidence appears weak, the lawyer could press for the charges to be reduced. This effort might result in felonies dropping to misdemeanors. Advice from an attorney could also enable the defendant to make an informed choice between going to trial or pursuing a plea bargain.