Many people in Chicago, Illinois — particularly fans of the Chicago Bears — were stunned late last year when wide receiver Sam Hurd was arrested on federal drug charges. The Bears released Hurd shortly after his arrest, which took the team, its coaches and its players by surprise. Now Hurd has been arrested again in Texas for allegedly violating his bond. Authorities say that a drug test came back positive for marijuana.
Hurd’s trial has been pushed back multiple times already; it is now slated to start in October. He was originally charged after he met with an undercover agent and an informant and allegedly told them he wanted to buy large amounts of cocaine and marijuana every week for distribution purposes.
The trial was most recently delayed because a cousin of Hurd was added to the drug conspiracy by prosecutors. He had been free on $100,000 bond until his trial. It was not immediately clear what the long-term implications of Hurd’s arrest on the failed drug test would have on his case.
A high-profile case such as this one is obviously very serious for the defendants. Convictions on federal drug charges carry serious consequences, and the fact that the government has put so much time and effort into the case signals that they will be working hard to secure a conviction.
However, even though their desire for a conviction may be strong, that hardly makes it a sure thing. A skilled drug crimes defense attorney can work to suppress evidence and protect clients’ constitutional rights to give defendants a fighting chance.
Source: Fort Worth Star-Telegram, “Ex-Bear, Cowboy receiver Hurd arrested in San Antonio for violating bond,” Lee Williams, Aug. 10, 2012
