Raquel Wright Arrested for Trafficking in Oxycodone in Indian River County, Florida
Raquel Wright, a 36 year old school teacher at Oslo Middle School in Indian River County, Florida was arrested this week for Trafficking in Oxycodone. Given her status as a school teacher, it is presumed that she does not have any prior criminal history.
While her case is pending, a judge ordered that Wright be released on a $150,000 bond. Before posting this bond, Wright should have retained a lawyer to file a motion to reduce bond. On a school teacher' salary, a $150,000 bond may be a bit excessive, even though the crime alleged is a serious felony.
However, bond is not Wright's main problem. As a criminal defense attorney, I think Wright's case presents a number of interesting questions whose answers may help her case. First, how did the police come to get involved with her? According to news reports, cops set up a sting operation after Wright agreed to sell them pills over the phone.
Was she snitched on by a confidential informant? Did the police violate the law when they investigated her? If a snitch was used, was that person cooperating with police to save themselves from their own case? Did police entrap Wright?
Once she was arrested, did Wright give a statement to police? If so, did they advise her of her right to remain silent and her right to an attorney before questioning? If not, any and all statements made by Wright may be thrown out by a judge.
