I never got the chance to be a frustrated engineer. I'm interested in anything you're willing to share about your experiences.
OK here goes:
In 2000 I was living in this last house owned by my "main guy"----about 20 miles outside of Raleigh NC.
I had never been in trouble with the law. One fall afternoon I was driving home on this country road with tobacco fields on both sides.
Got almost to my house when the blue lights came on----pulled over and looked in my side mirror-----a deputy was walking up with his gun drawn-----I keep both my hands on the steering wheel.
After identifying myself he said "we're already in down there" all very nice and professional like. I wasn't hand cuffed and when we got to the house I understood why-----had never seen as many cops in one place before.
I was met by the lead SBI agent who gave me the warrant to read. Turns out the SBI, two city police departments, county police and even the national guard was used to do a FLIR reading.
I offered to make a video explaining the operation and help them take it down (I could hear every defense lawyer in the country scream at me). I had about 4 lbs hanging to dry (the very night before had moved that much).
Over 10 lbs in NC carried a MMS of 25-30 months. These people weighed all the plant material and pronounced I had 50 lbs of marijuana-----if that were only true I'd be the weed god-----50 lbs from 5K flowering.
So I made the video and help take it down-----then this attractive young DA and the sheriff showed up along with this Boss Hogg looking fellow that handed me a bill for $157,000 for taxes for 50 lbs. Of course I could't (wouldn't) pay that so they started loading up all my personal property including all my tools down to my coffee maker and ironing board.
Of course they tried to get other names-----"rather burn in hell" was my reply.
Finally off to jail we go with me riding shotgun and not hand cuffed riding with the cop that first stopped me.
Found out the next morning my bail was set at $100,000-----insane, I had no other drugs or firearms on me or in the house.
Paid a bail bonds man $10,000 the next day and got out-----went looking for a lawyer.
outta gas now ( more later if interested).
A~~~