A 20-year-old man in New Jersey has been accused of committing crimes involving drugs and weapons. He now faces a number of criminal charges. However, anyone accused of committing drug and gun crimes in the state is presumed innocent until and unless the government can prove guilt in court and beyond a reasonable doubt.
Police said they found the 20-year-old man with a 21-year-old woman in a car in a parking lot one day. The two were reportedly engaging in a sales transaction involving illegal drugs. When authorities approached the car, the man reportedly tried to reach behind his seat and in the vehicle’s center console. Police then attempted to remove him from the car, although he allegedly fought back and injured one of the officers as a result.
Officers then searched the car and reportedly found a flare gun and machete. They also allegedly discovered 200 heroin doses as well as cocaine in the motor vehicle. The charges include possessing cocaine and heroin, distributing cocaine, intending to distribute heroin, possessing a weapon while committing a drug crime and resisting arrest.
The man accused of drug and gun crimes has the right to go to court to fight the charges filed against him. At court, prosecutors must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt — a high standard created with the goal of preventing innocent individuals from being convicted of crimes they did not commit. However, if the prosecution’s evidence appears to be strong, the defendant may choose to negotiate a plea deal with prosecutors instead, as this may lead to reduced charges and/or a lighter sentence. Either way, a New Jersey attorney will pursue the best outcome possible for the accused.