Teacher faces drug possession charge in Louisiana

A high school teacher was stopped along a Louisiana roadway recently and accused of having drugs in her possession. While conducting the stop, police later reported, they discovered that the teacher’s car contained 53 pounds of marijuana. The discovery led to the arrest of the teacher on a drug possession charge. She hopes to be released on bond soon, according to one person who was interviewed by reporters at the teacher’s home.

The street value of the marijuana found is estimated to be $120,000, police say. It is unclear why the teacher might have had the drugs in her car at the time of the traffic stop. What is clear is that the school district for which she teaches will suspend her contract until the investigation into the drug possession charge is complete.

The teacher in this case, like all who are accused of a crime, is to be presumed innocent of all charges until proven guilty. This means that she has a right to assert a defense against the claims made against her. This defense can include evidence that explains why the drugs were in her vehicle, or may put into question the actions of police at the time of her arrest.

The fundamental right to present a defense against accusations such as those made in this Louisiana drug possession charge case is an important one. This right allows a defendant the opportunity to demonstrate that he or she is not guilty of a crime. When Louisiana residents find themselves facing criminal charges, it is important that they act quickly. It may benefit people in these situations to seek a skilled support system to help them navigate through their case to find the most favorable outcome.

Source: khou.com, “Alief students shocked to hear teacher faces drug possession charges,” Jeff McShan, Aug 17, 2012