Were You Picked Up on Possession Charges? Find Out if You Can Get Out of the Charges
Why you need a Criminal Lawyer for Drug Crimes
Possession of illegal substances comes with a lot of concerns when being caught by the authorities. If you are in such a situation, your move is to hire a criminal lawyer with extensive experience handling drug crimes. It is essential to consult with your lawyer immediately after an arrest, as a lot of the information and evidence needed for your case is still fresh in your mind.
Possession vs Possession with the intent to sell
It is better to only face charges for having possession of drugs as it is easier for your criminal lawyer to defend, and the consequences are less severe than being caught in possession with the intent to sell.
The Role of your Lawyer
Your criminal lawyer will investigate mistakes made by the authorities when they caught you with the drugs. If you didn’t have a medical need for the drugs or a prescription from a physician, the lawyer may use the mistakes made at the time of arrest as part of your defense strategy. The following are the most common mistakes that lawyers look for:
– Entrapment
– Incorrect officer procedure and behavior
– Illegal search
– Flawed lab results
– Setup
Why you should keep quiet during questioning
It is essential to keep quiet when you are arrested or brought in for questioning until your criminal lawyer makes a statement with you. Saying anything could ruin your defense, and your lawyer needs to determine if there is evidence to get the charges dropped. If evidence is found, you have a chance to avoid having the incident mark your record.
Potential Charges
It is crucial to know the charges you could be facing. The charges can depend on various factors such as whether the possession is your first offense or if you’ve had previous offenses. Fines and jail time are common penalties for drug crimes, and the judge could require you to attend substance abuse classes or support groups.
Plea Bargain
If you don’t have significant evidence for a strong defense and your lawyer thinks that guilt is a certainty, negotiating a plea bargain could be your option. A plea bargain entails pleading guilty to an offense, and your lawyer works out a deal to reduce your charges and punishment. If you have prior offenses, the plea bargain might be your option.
A Drug Charge on Your Record
A drug charge on your record, even as a misdemeanor, could lead to problems when applying for jobs or college. Working with an experienced criminal lawyer and investing time and resources to fight the charges is your option compared to hoping the judge will side with you on your own.
Why Fast Hiring a Lawyer Matters
Hiring a criminal lawyer fast can play a significant role in your case if you were picked up on charges of possession. Suppose you don’t think the authorities have enough evidence to prove that the drugs were yours or that they unlawfully searched and treated you. In that case, hiring a lawyer fast could be the difference between facing fines and jail time or being acquitted.
Table 1: Drug Possession Charges
| Charges | Penalties |
|———————————–|————————————|
| First Time Offense – Possession | Fines or Jail Time |
| Subsequent Possession Offenses | Fines, Jail Time, Substance Classes |
| Possession with intent to sell | Severe Fines or Jail Time |
Table 2: Possible Defense Strategies
| Defense Strategies |
|——————–|
| Entrapment |
| Incorrect officer procedure and behavior |
| Illegal search |
| Flawed lab results |
| Setup |
Why you need a Criminal Lawyer for Drug Crimes
Possession of illegal substances comes with a lot of concerns when being caught by the authorities. If you are in such a situation, your move is to hire a criminal lawyer with extensive experience handling drug crimes. It is essential to consult with your lawyer immediately after an arrest, as a lot of the information and evidence needed for your case is still fresh in your mind.
Possession vs Possession with the intent to sell
It is better to only face charges for having possession of drugs as it is easier for your criminal lawyer to defend, and the consequences are less severe than being caught in possession with the intent to sell.
The Role of your Lawyer
Your criminal lawyer will investigate mistakes made by the authorities when they caught you with the drugs. If you didn’t have a medical need for the drugs or a prescription from a physician, the lawyer may use the mistakes made at the time of arrest as part of your defense strategy. The following are the most common mistakes that lawyers look for:
Defense Strategies |
---|
Entrapment |
Incorrect officer procedure and behavior |
Illegal search |
Flawed lab results |
Setup |
It is essential to keep quiet when you are arrested or brought in for questioning until your criminal lawyer makes a statement with you. Saying anything could ruin your defense, and your lawyer needs to determine if there is evidence to get the charges dropped. If evidence is found, you have a chance to avoid having the incident mark your record.
Potential Charges
It is crucial to know the charges you could be facing. The charges can depend on various factors such as whether the possession is your first offense or if you’ve had previous offenses. Fines and jail time are common penalties for drug crimes, and the judge could require you to attend substance abuse classes or support groups.
Plea Bargain
If you don’t have significant evidence for a strong defense and your lawyer thinks that guilt is a certainty, negotiating a plea bargain could be your option. A plea bargain entails pleading guilty to an offense, and your lawyer works out a deal to reduce your charges and punishment. If you have prior offenses, the plea bargain might be your option.
A Drug Charge on Your Record
A drug charge on your record, even as a misdemeanor, could lead to problems when applying for jobs or college. Working with an experienced criminal lawyer and investing time and resources to fight the charges is your option compared to hoping the judge will side with you on your own.
Why Fast Hiring a Lawyer Matters
Hiring a criminal lawyer fast can play a significant role in your case if you were picked up on charges of possession. Suppose you don’t think the authorities have enough evidence to prove that the drugs were yours, or that they unlawfully searched and treated you. In that case, hiring a lawyer fast could be the difference between facing fines and jail time or being acquitted.
Conclusion
Being charged with drug crimes can be devastating. It is essential to work with a criminal lawyer with experience in this area of the law. Your criminal lawyer will investigate possible mistakes made by the authorities and come up with a suitable defense strategy. It is also vital to know the charges you face and the possible penalties. Additionally, you can negotiate a plea bargain to reduce charges and punishments. Finally, fighting charges and investing resources in hiring a good lawyer is your option, and fast hiring of a lawyer could make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
CALIFORNIA CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS