When people think of controlled substances they usually think of marijuana or cocaine, common drugs that we hear about on the news. This past week, however, a Cobb County woman called police after seeing a man behind her house acting strangely.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Thomas Ralph Tarpey was arrested for inhaling fumes from a Dust Remover can, commonly referred to as huffing. Although huffing is a dangerous but common practice it is often overlooked as a drug problem.
Huffing can cause feelings of euphoria and disorientation. It is done with everything from aerosol cans to paint and glue. Overtime huffing can lead to permanent brain damage and even death. It is the ultimate cheap high.
However, it will be interesting to see exactly what charges and outcome results from this criminal arrest. It may not be a simple case, since the “dust remover” chemical he was inhaling may not clearly be a controlled substance under the law.
Tarpey was arrested and faces misdemeanor charges. He was last being held on $1,000 bond.
Facing drug charges is a serious matter in Georgia criminal courts. Whether you are arrested for possession of marijuana, huffing, or possession with intent to deliver, you are looking at a criminal record and potential prison time.
While possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana is a misdemeanor charge that carries up to one year in prison, possession of crack cocaine carries a potential felony charge and up to 15 years in prison for a first offense. The charge and sentence you face is dependent on the substance in question.
Facing any drug charges can be frightening and extremely stressful. When up against these criminal charges having an experienced attorney is crucial.