A man who has sat on an Alabama city council for 15 years recently pleaded guilty to drug charges, and has begun a yearlong pretrial diversion program.

The 56-year-old Tuscaloosa councilman faced multiple drug charges after authorities allegedly found cocaine on a mirror and drug paraphernalia in an apartment that he was in early last month. According to the news source, authorities originally went to the apartment looking for a witness in an unrelated homicide case. The councilman and another man apparently let officers into the apartment.

If the councilman completes the yearlong program, the charges will be cleared from his record. The man says he plans to continue serving on the Tuscaloosa City Council. However, in Alabama, those who are convicted of a felony cannot hold a public office. It is unknown at this time if the 56-year-old man will be removed from his post.

This is the councilman's first brush with the law. While he says that he is not perfect, he maintains that he is not on drugs.

The man said the program he is enrolled in will likely include substance abuse classes, community service and outpatient or inpatient rehabilitation.

Although drug charges are quite serious, those facing them still have rights. Working with an experienced criminal defense attorney may be beneficial. An attorney can vigorously work to defend an individual facing drug charges, and be sure their rights are protected.

If convicted of drug crimes, a person can face serious penalties, but an attorney can work to achieve the best possible outcome.

Source: Tuscaloosa News, "Tyner pleads guilty to drug charges, will enroll in 'clean' program," Lydia Seabol Avant, Jan. 2, 2012