Drug charges are serious in Greensboro, as they are in other cities across North Carolina. A former Northern Guilford High School football coach knows now just how serious the charges are after being arrested for alleged drug trafficking.

The 41-year-old man was arrested on Feb. 10 and charged with two counts of trafficking cocaine and maintaining a vehicle/dwelling. He has no previous drug charges and was released on a $10,000 bond.

The man has coached at the high school for the last 23 years. However, his contract expired on Nov. 30. It appears that his contract was not renewed, and he has not been to the school since then.

Police have not said what evidence they had to arrest the man. In a case like this, it is important to remember that anyone charged with a crime is innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law. Although news headlines often imply guilt, everyone is entitled to a strong defense and a fair trial.

The man in this case, and anyone living in Greensboro facing similar charges, would do well to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. An attorney can investigate the evidence and ensure that law enforcement did not violate an individual's rights through an illegal search or seizure. In addition, they can prepare a strong defense against the charges.

A drug conviction can be life-changing. An individual may face harsh penalties, but with the right help, the penalties may be minimized or the charges may even be completely dropped.

Source: WFMY News, "Northern Guilford Asst. Coach Arrested on Drug Charges," Feb. 15, 2012