Being charged with drug possession can be an especially serious prospect for a law enforcement official to endure. One Missouri probation officer is unfortunately finding this out for himself firsthand. The man has been charged with a felony count of drug possession with the intent to distribute, deliver, manufacture and/or produce. Such an allegation can lead to serious consequences for any defendant should a conviction result, but especially for someone who works in the law enforcement field.

Potential consequences for a conviction can range from financial penalties to jail time, not to mention the possible loss of reputation in a community. Police officials arrested the Missouri man in this particular case on Nov. 27. They accused him of the felony drug possession charge and transported him to a county jail. The probation officer was able to secure a release based upon a $25,000 bond.

Court records show that the man’s arrest warrant was kept quiet until it could actually be carried out due to an apparent fear that there might be a risk of injury to police officers or the defendant should news of his arrest be made public beforehand. There doesn’t seem to be any sign that the actual arrest was anything other than routine, however. Now, this Missouri probation officer must move forward in planning his defense against these allegations.

Each such defendant facing drug possession charges has the right to either fight the allegations or try to negotiate a plea deal with officials. Sometimes defendants decide that negotiating such an agreement may be more advantageous for them in the long run. Every person must make a decision based upon the specific facts in their own case. Nevertheless, the man is entitled to the same rights and protections that apply to all individuals accused of a crime in our state.

Source: Boonville Daily News, “Probation officer facing drug charges,” Jim Brock, Dec. 2, 2012