Many individuals in New York and elsewhere operate under the assumption that police do not arrest suspects unless they have enough evidence to completely support doing so. However, recent reports from Oregon and Nevada seem to indicate that even roadside tests performed by law enforcement may not be completely reliable as convictions for drug charges are being overturned.
Clark County, the Nevada county that is home to Las Vegas, has released a list of exonerations in which officers tested a white powder found in vehicles that they believed to be cocaine. However, subsequent testing proved that the substance found in the vehicles was not illegal at all.
The concept of being innocent until proven guilty is the very cornerstone of criminal law in our nation. Since Las Vegas police officers continue to use the same field tests that have been proven inaccurate in the past, it opens the door to the concept that many arrests across the country may not have been as valid as once believed.
Having an attorney who is well versed and highly informed about the intricacies of criminal law can be the difference between clearing your name cleared and having your life upended by false, frivolous charges. Something as serious as being found with a substance believed to be cocaine can exact long-term damage on someone, and studies indicate that the tests that are being used could be less than accurate.
If you have been the subject of an investigation based on roadside testing, DWI or other criminal investigations, it’s advisable to work with an attorney who is well-versed in navigating a system that can be murky at best. While the judicial system can use tests that may not be accurate, a criminal defense lawyer can help protect your future.
If you are in the middle of a criminal investigation, an attorney may want to gather as much information as possible about your background, case and police investigation results. At this point, a lawyer can work with you, local prosecutors and judges to help clear your name and get your life back on track.
