What Every Parent Needs To Know About Heroin

What It Is:
Heroin belongs to a group of pain-relieving drugs called narcotics. The drug comes from the opium poppy, a flower that grows in Asia, Mexico, and South America. Pure heroin has the consistency of white powder. Some heroin is also dark brown, while black tar heroin is either sticky or hard and looks like roofing tar.

Although some narcotics like codeine and morphine are legal if prescribed for pain relief, heroin is an illegal narcotic because it has dangerous side effects and is very addictive.

Sometimes Called:horse, smack, big H, black tar, caballo (Spanish), 8-ball (heroin mixed with crack cocaine), junk, TNTHow It's Used:Heroin is usually injected or smoked. Purer forms of heroin are inhaled.What It Does:Heroin provides a burst or rush of good feelings, and users feel "high" and relaxed. This may be followed by drowsiness and nausea.

Many people who are addicted to heroin inject the drug into a vein with needles, and may inject the drug several times a day. Over time, the needle marks, or tracks, can become permanent scars. 

Often, heroin addicts will share needles, which can lead to infection with dangerous germs like hepatitis B or C or HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Heroin is a very addictive drug and many people find it extremely difficult to stop using it — even after using it for just the first or second time. Heroin users constantly crave their next dose.

If heroin addicts suddenly try to stop using the drug or are unable to get another dose, they often develop withdrawal symptoms, like feelings of panic, sleeplessness, bad chills and sweats, muscle pain, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Taking an overdose of heroin can cause a person to stop breathing and die.

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

Date reviewed: January 2014


http://m.kidshealth.org/en/parents/drugs-heroin.html?WT.ac=

54 Heroin Abuse or Addiction Warning Signs

Heroin has been receiving more attention in the news recently. CBS NEWS: Hooked on Heroin;  NY TIMES: Heroin in New England, More Abundant and Deadly; BBC News: Cory Monteith: The Heroin users that don’t fit the ‘junkie’ stereotype; USA Today: OxyContin a Gateway to Heroin for Upper-Income Addicts. Although it can be upsetting this is very helpful because greater awareness about Heroin and its warning signs can help save lives.   Sadly heroin use has increased all over the US, including in Chicagoland area.

How can you tell if someone you love is abusing heroin?  Here are 54 warning signs to look for:

Physical or Bodily Signs of Heroin Abuse

Heroin causes a number of affects on the body.  It causes the body to release histamine (think of why you take antihistamines: for runny nose, itchiness), it slows down the body, causes constipation.  Heroin withdrawal largely shows the opposite effects from heroin use.

Persistent hacking cough (common if heroin is smoked)Sudden weight loss or loss of appetiteDry mouthExtremely small pinpoint pupilsEyelids and arms/legs appear to be heavyCuts, bruises or scabs from skin picking (heroin causes the body to release histamine which leads to itchy skin, which may be scratched to point of causing a sore or scab)Infections or abscesses (from injecting)Sores on nostrils or lips (from smoking)Nosebleeds (from snorting)Burn marks on fingers or mouth (from smoking)Dark circles or puffiness under the eyesFlu like symptoms: fever, achy, vomiting, always coldRunny nose or constant sniffing (from the release of histamine heroin causes)Needle marks on arms or legs – could look like small bruises or red dotsConstipation (when using heroin), or diarrhea (when withdrawing)For women, loss of menstrual cycle

Behaviors That May Indicate Heroin Abuse

Sudden changes in behavior or actions such as poor school or work performance, being expelled or firedMovement is slowed or uncoordinatedDisorientedExtreme alertness/jitteriness followed by suddenly nodding offExcessive or sudden sleepingItchiness, picking at skin (histamine release from heroin)Speech somewhat slurred, garbled or incoherentVery little motivation, apathy, no interest in favorite activitiesHostility toward othersLying or other deceptive behaviorAvoiding eye contactLack of hygiene and disregard for physical appearance, may not shower or bathe, repeat wearing of same clothingWithdrawal from friends and familySpending a lot of time with new friends and/or aloneWearing long pants or long sleeves (to hide needle marks) even in very warm weatherSuddenly wearing sunglasses frequently or inappropriately

Indirect Warnings Signs of Heroin Use:

Large increase in mileage on the car used by your loved one (showing trips to purchase drugs)Missing prescription pills (or entire bottles), especially Vicodin (hydrocodone), OxyContin (oxycodone) or codeineMissing money or valuables or frequent requests to borrow money, particularly with nothing to show for itNeedles or syringes (check sock and other drawers)Tiny orange caps from syringesSpoons with burn marks (used to heat the heroin in water prior to injection)Aluminum foil or gum wrappers with burn marks (used to smoke heroin)Missing shoelaces (used to tie off injection sites)Rubber straps or bands (used to tie off)Straws (used to snort), especially with burn marks (used to smoke)Empty plastic pen cases (used for snorting or smoking)Small plastic bagsWater pipes or other pipes (used in smoking heroin)Bottled water (water used for mixing and cap used for heating)Bottle caps (used in heating heroin)Rolled up dollar bills or paper (used for snorting)Razor blades, IDs and credit cards with a powder residue on them (used for snorting)Empty plastic/drug capsules (heroin sometimes sold in capsules)Antihistamine boxes (used to counteract histamine release)Nasal spray bottles (used for snorting heroin/water mixture)Unusual residue in coffee-bean grinder (to grind up heroin)Very small cotton balls, Q-tips, or pieces of cigarette filter (used prior to injecting)Vitamin C or ascorbic acid packets/sachets (common in Europe to allow heroin to be water soluble)

If you do suspect your loved one is using heroin, get help immediately.  It is an extremely deadly drug.  It is highly addictive so persuading your loved one to go to treatment, or at least initially visiting a doctor is very important.  New Hope Recovery Center is an alcohol and drug addiction facility that has helped many clients successfully stop heroin use.  We are happy to answer your questions.  Contact us at 888-707-4673 or email us at info@new-hope-recovery.com.



http://www.new-hope-recovery.com/center/2013/08/08/heroin-abuse-warning-signs/
 

2005 Arizona Revised Statutes - Revised Statutes §13-3925 Unlawful search or seizure; admissibility of evidence; definitions

A. Any evidence that is seized pursuant to a search warrant shall not be suppressed as a result of a violation of this chapter except as required by the United States Constitution and the constitution of this state.

B. If a party in a criminal proceeding seeks to exclude evidence from the trier of fact because of the conduct of a peace officer in obtaining the evidence, the proponent of the evidence may urge that the peace officer's conduct was taken in a reasonable, good faith belief that the conduct was proper and that the evidence discovered should not be kept from the trier of fact if otherwise admissible.

C. The trial court shall not suppress evidence that is otherwise admissible in a criminal proceeding if the court determines that the evidence was seized by a peace officer as a result of a good faith mistake or technical violation.

D. This section does not limit the enforcement of any appropriate civil remedy or criminal penalty in actions pursuant to other provisions of law against any individual or government entity found to have conducted an unreasonable search or seizure.

E. This section does not apply to unlawful electronic eavesdropping or wiretapping.

F. For the purposes of this section:

1. "Good faith mistake" means a reasonable judgmental error concerning the existence of facts that if true would be sufficient to constitute probable cause.

2. "Technical violation" means a reasonable good faith reliance on:

(a) A statute that is subsequently ruled unconstitutional.

(b) A warrant that is later invalidated due to a good faith mistake.

(c) A controlling court precedent that is later overruled, unless the court overruling the precedent orders the new precedent to be applied retroactively.

http://law.justia.com/codes/arizona/2005/title13/03925.html

When Can the Police Search My Car for Drugs in Arizona? A Phoenix Drug Possession Attorney Explains

http://www.azlaw.com/library/when-can-the-police-search-my-car-for-drugs-in-arizona.cfm

It is not unusual to see felony drug charges in Phoenix after a car search. However, police are limited by the law as far as when they are allowed to search your car for drugs. As a Phoenix drug possession attorney, here is a little information I’d like to share with you about car searches.
When Can the Police Search My Car for Drugs?

Law enforcement officers do not have to have a warrant to search your car in most cases. However, your Fourth Amendment rights still protect you from unreasonable search and seizure even when you are in a vehicle. This means that, by federal law, police must have probable cause before they can search your car for drugs.

For example, if you are pulled over for running a red light, police cannot search your car for drugs unless there is some other sign that drugs or other crimes are involved. A probable cause in this case might be the smell of marijuana in your car or drug paraphernalia in plain sight when you are pulled over.

If the police do search your car, be aware that your and your passengers’ belongings may be included in the search. This would include searching purses, backpacks, etc. Keep in mind that, even if you refused a search, the contents of your car will be routinely inventoried by the police if the car is towed after your arrest.
Police Searched My Car in Phoenix. What Happens Now?

If you are facing Arizona felony drug charges after the police searched your car in Phoenix, don’t wait until it’s too late to get help. Speak with a Phoenix drug possession attorney as soon as possible at 1-888-929-5292 to talk about your situation and the circumstances of your arrest.

Violations of “Search and Seizure” Laws: How they Impact Prosecution

by James E. Novak, P.L.L.C.
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Drivers with Marijuana in their vehicle, who consent to search may be easier to prosecute than those who expressly refuse.

542938_officer_on_duty.jpgMost people understand that they have a Fourth Amendment right under the United States Constitution to be free from unlawful searches and seizures. They may know that the police must usually have probable cause to get a warrant and must have a warrant to search a car or home. They may also know that the police cannot use evidence obtained illegally, in violation of a defendant’s constitutional rights. Violations of a person’s Fourth Amendment Rights involving search and seizures in drug crimes, may compromise the State’s ability to prosecute a suspect.

Today we will take a closer look at what the Fourth Amendment protections, as they apply on a practical level with an illustration. Here’s common question: “If I’m driving around with several pounds of Marijuana in my vehicle, do I have the right to refuse the request of a police officer who wants to search my car without a warrant?”
The Supreme Court has ruled that people have less expectation of privacy in their cars than in their homes and therefore there are several conditions under which it may be acceptable to search a car without a warrant. But the most obvious scenario in which police can legally search your car is if you give consent.

Exceptions to the Need for a Police Search Warrant

Consent is an “Exception” to the general rules governing search and seizure. So a consensual search is one where a person agrees to let the police search their vehicle without a warrant to do so.

The Supreme Court held that so long as a reasonable person would feel free to disregard the police officer and go about his or her business, the encounter is a consensual one. In reality, however, most drivers would not feel comfortable refusing a police officer that had pulled them over and wanted to search the vehicle. In some instances a driver with marijuana in the trunk of his car who expressly refuses to consent to a search may have a stronger case than one who consents to the search. Police officers must have a probable cause to search or a reasonable suspicion of illegal conduct before searching in order to use any evidence gathered.

Alongside consent, another exception to the rule against warrantless searches and seizures is the “plain view doctrine”. This applies if, for example, the police pull you over because you made an illegal lane change and then see marijuana you planned to sell sitting in the back seat or see a pipe in the front passenger seat next to you. In either of those cases, the court would use a three-prong test:

(1) Was the officer lawfully present?
(2) Did the officer have a lawful right of access to the object?
(3) Was the incriminating character of the perceived object apparent?

If the answer to all of these questions are “yes” then the plain view doctrine exception will apply, and a warrant is not needed. In the situation described, the police officer had a right to stop you about your illegal lane change and could see the incriminating marijuana or pipe in the car. Therefore, this evidence could be used against you at a trial for marijuana possession or sales.

The stop itself, by police requires “reasonable suspicion” that a violation of the law has occurred or is in progress. On the other hand, if the marijuana was inside a backpack on the floor of your car and the police officer stopped you in absence of “reasonable suspicion” the plain view doctrine might not be applicable, and the stop itself may be unconstitutional.
Another exception to the search warrant rule is the “search incident to arrest.” This exception might arise in the previously described scenario if the police decided to arrest you for a DUI because you were clearly intoxicated and talked about a gun. In the process of arresting you, they might pat you down for weapons. If you are carrying bags of marijuana somewhere on your person, it will be found in a search incident to your arrest and will be admissible in a trial for marijuana possession. The police may also use finding the marijuana as a reason to search the rest of your car.

On the other hand, if nothing suspicious was found on your person and you were placed in a police car, the Arizona Supreme Court determined in 2007 that the police may not come back to your car once the arrest is over and search it without a warrant.

Overview of Search Warrants

These principals described above are broad, and it is an in an area of law that has changed over time. These protections continue to be tested and challenged in courts throughout the country. Current technology makes it relatively easy for police to obtain a warrant within a few minutes, but they must still have probable cause to get one. A number of law enforcement agencies use electronic search warrant programs to request one from a judge on call. They simply complete a form including information describing their justification of “probable cause”. It is within a matter of minutes that the judge reviews the request and approves or denies it electronically.

If you are arrested for marijuana possession or sales, an experienced criminal defense attorney may be able to look at the circumstances in detail to determine whether the evidence was obtained legally or not. Contact the experienced criminal defense attorneys of the Law Offices of James Novak at 480-413-1499 for more information and a powerful defense.


https://blog.arizonacriminaldefenselawyer.com/2013/07/how-violations-of-search-and.html