Most people in the United States are aware that they have certain rights afforded to them by the U.S. Constitution. Despite this awareness, they may not fully understand all the protections this document provides. In fact, a teen may need help determining if his constitutional rights were violated in the events leading up to his recent arrest and subsequent drug charges in Missouri.
The 18-year-old was reportedly driving on Interstate 44 on a day in early January. Reports indicate that his pickup truck was stopped by drug task force officers. These same officers reportedly discovered 10 bricks — described by officers as “kilo-size” — of fentanyl under the backseat of the pickup truck.
Investigators reportedly believe that the teen, from out of state, was transporting the drugs to New York. A U.S. Attorney claims that the discovery was the largest in that area of the state and kept millions of doses of fentanyl off the streets. The teenager is facing a federal charge of possession with the intent to distribute.
Despite the drug charges against the teenager, there are many details that are unclear about the case, including what prompted law enforcement officers to stop the vehicle and search it. Most people without legal training feel unprepared to properly respond to criminal allegations without the help of an experienced professional. Fortunately, a criminal defense attorney in Missouri can help the teenager carefully examine all of the details of his case and help determine if his rights were violated, helping him create an appropriate response to the allegations against him.