No one in Indianapolis should be surprised to learn that illegal guns and illegal drugs are frequent companions. A recent raid on an east side motel in Indianapolis found yet another instance of guns and drugs in possession of the same criminal suspect.
The raid
According to police, an investigation by the Crime Gun Intelligence Center from the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department yielded enough information about two individuals to justify issuance of a subpoena for a room at a motel in the 2300 Block of Post Drive. When police entered the room, they allegedly found handguns and various illicit drugs. The drugs included 1.5 pounds of methamphetamine, cocaine, Xanax, marijuana-THC items and approximately $2616 in cash.
Two individuals, a man and a woman, were thereafter arrested and taken into custody. Preliminary charges include a serious violent felon in possession of firearms, domestic batterer in possession of a firearm, dealing in more than 10 grams of methamphetamine with possession of a firearm, and possession of both a controlled substance and a firearm. The Marion County Prosecutor’s office is presently reviewing the case and making a final decision on whether to drop or add additional charges.
Questions
The media reports of this case leave many questions to be answered. First, how were the defendants identified? And how were they located? Often, the methods of identification and arrest leave many questions that might support a constitutional defense to the accusations. Second, do the announced charges apply equally to both the man and the woman. Finally, what evidence do the prosecutors have about the defendants’ intentions concerning sale or delivery of the drugs to third parties.
Anyone facing similar charges may wish to consult an experienced criminal defense attorney for advice. A capable defense lawyer can evaluate the evidence, suggest potential legal arguments and, when appropriate, assist in negotiating an acceptable plea agreement.