Charges are often laid following searches upon arrest or the execution of search warrants. Oftentimes, the smell of drugs is not a justification for arrest. A conviction for any drug offence will result in exclusion from the United States unless a waiver is obtained from the American authorities.
The defence of drug cases is usually technical and often involves challenging the search and applying for the exclusion of the seized evidence from the trial. Ralph has been successful in securing the withdrawal of charges of many cases, having the case diverted from the criminal justice system, or obtaining acquittals through the exclusion of evidence.