My office has seen a recent flurry of trafic stops on I-95 in Cecil County, MD resulting in charges of illegally transporting untaxed cigarettes through Maryland. The nature of these traffic stops are identical to the suspect traffic stops involving illegal drugs including the use of drug dogs and allegations that the police officer detected the smell of marihauna to justify the search of the vehicle. Many of the searches are based upon allegations of consent making it more important to know your rights regarding consenting to these searches.

These cases involve potential jail and large fines and issues regarding the stop and search of the vehicle are critical in obtaining a result of no incarceration and also the possibility of not having a conviction on your record. However, our local prosecutors are taking these cases very seriously due to pressure from the police, taxing authorities and claims that the proceeds are being used to fund terrorism. If you or a friend have been charged with these offenses, contact Cecil County criminal defense lawyer C. Thomas Brown to discuss your case.