Dealing with drug charges when one has children presents serious challenges. Yet, that is the situation facing a Virginia mother and her boyfriend. The two were arrested by Franklin police for allegedly selling marijuana from their home. Five children ranging in age from 4 to 10 were turned over to their grandparents after the arrest. Police said the drug charges include possession with intent to distribute marijuana and conspiracy to distribute marijuana; five counts of felony child neglect were added to the charges.

A police spokesman said that an investigation into the alleged sale and distribution of narcotics lead police to obtain a warrant to search the 29-year-old mother's home. Police claim they did not know the precise amount of pot that was allegedly found, but the warrant indicated it was between a half-ounce and five pounds. Obviously, those parameters represent a substantial difference. They said the children were taken from their mother's home because police believe they were in the house when the couple allegedly sold the marijuana.

The mother was released on personal recognizance bond. Her boyfriend was taken to Western Tidewater Regional Jail in Suffolk, without bond.

Both individuals face a tough legal fight in Virginia. But allegations are not the equivalent of guilt. This mother of five and her boyfriend deserve the legal protections afforded all people charged with criminal conduct under the law. Nevertheless, they appear to have an uphill fight and of necessity must prepare and present a meaningful defense aimed at a fair resolution.

Source: The Tidewater News, "Five children taken from home after drug arrest," Gwen Albers, Nov. 29, 2011