Blaine Keel of Baton Rouge was recently arrested and charged with several drug offenses after officers from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s office received an anonymous tip that Keel was at in his apartment smoking methamphetamine. Upon searching the apartment, deputies discovered a glass methamphetamine smoking pipe, and a bag containing marijuana.
Another meth pipe, as well as Keel himself, was discovered inside his bedroom. In addition to the drugs and paraphernalia, authorities discovered counterfeit money. When questioned, Keel told deputies that he had printed the money to support his addiction to meth.
Keel was charged with monetary instrument abuse; possession of an unregistered firearm, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. At the last news update, he was awaiting a bond hearing.
In criminal defense, it isn’t always the case that defendants are in a situation where they can get charges dropped. Obviously, circumstances vary for defendants. In all cases, it is the task of a defense attorney to protect a defendant’s rights and to help them to achieve the best possible outcome in their case.
The best possible outcome means different things in different cases. It depends on the evidence prosecutors have against a defendant, other evidence that they haven’t considered, legal arguments that may limit the defendant’s liability, and circumstances that lead a judge to impose a lighter sentence.
Those who find themselves in the midst of a criminal case where the evidence is stacked against them still have need of criminal defense. It may be that a skilled attorney can help them to achieve a better outcome than they would have if they didn’t make an effort to seek advocacy.
Source: Red Stick, “Baton Rouge Man Arrested for Counterfeiting and Drug Possession,” March 4, 2013.