A star defensive player for the Liberty University Flames is facing serious drug charges. Asa Chapman, of Orange County, Virginia, started the season as a fourth-year defensive tackle with the possibility of entering the NFL next year. But, before the season started, he was reportedly pulled over for a routine traffic stop which resulted in a felony cocaine charge.

Authorities said they found marijuana and cocaine in the vehicle. He was also allegedly driving with a suspended license and had an active warrant for failing to appear at a court appearance in November of 2010 for an earlier charge of driving with a suspended license.

He currently faces a felony-level cocaine charge, and additional charges of misdemeanor possession of marijuana, driving on a suspended license and a noise violation will be considered at a grand jury indictment in January.

He has since been convicted of driving without a license in the 2010 incident. He was fined $50 for that; and an additional $50 was levied as he was held in contempt for failing to show up to court last year.

Chapman was suspended for three games following his arrest, but was reinstated after performing community service and seeking out counseling.

Felony drug charges carry stiff penalties, including jail time. Drug charges should be taken very seriously. Oftentimes, these cases hinge on evidentiary issues that should be investigated by a thorough defense team. This ensures the defendants receive the rights they are entitled to under the law throughout the trial.


Source: The News & Advance, "Drug charge certified against Liberty Flames defensive player," Chris Dumond, Dec. 7, 2011