New Jersey residents may have heard news about the mayor of Edison's son being detained on drug charges. The 28-year-old man was taken into police custody after he was found unconscious behind the wheel on Jan. 12. Police were dispatched to a home on Milton Road at approximately 8:35 p.m. concerning a complaint of a man passed out behind the wheel of an idling vehicle.
The investigating officers also allege that the man was found to be in possession of $400 in cash, a small amount of marijuana and pills and heroin in 200 packets. The police complaint also reported the man's vehicle was actually idling in a homeowner's yard. In order to eliminate any conflict of interests from transpiring, the case was transferred to Piscataway. The mayor and the lawyer of the accused had not been reached for comment as of Jan. 13.
The accused has been charged with one count of drug distribution and three counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance. The judge in Piscataway set the bail for the accused at $25,000. Aside from being the mayor of Edison, his father serves as the town's public safety director as well. In order to present any formidable challenge to the prosecution's case, legal counsel for the accused may focus on scrutinizing the legality or credibility of the investigation conducted by officers responding to the scene.
People facing drug distribution charges typically benefit from consulting a criminal defense lawyer. Aside from gathering a preponderance of evidence to raise reasonable doubt, legal strategies may also focus on determining whether or not the defendant's rights were violated during the investigation or arrest. If the defendant cannot be exonerated, lawyers might be effective in obtaining a favorable plea bargain.
Source: NJ.com, "Edison police arrest mayor's son on drug charges", Brian Amaral, Jan. 13, 2015