If you think facing a drug charge isn’t a big deal, think again. Being charged and convicted of a drug offense can cost you employment opportunities, limit your housing options, and even prevent you from traveling. So, there’s more at stake than you may have thought.
One thing you must never do if facing drug charges is represent yourself. You may have heard of instances where people successfully represented themselves in court and won. But those cases are few and far between. The reality is that you’ll want to be represented by a reputable drug charge defense lawyer with a track record of successfully representing people facing drug charges.
Keep reading to learn how a reputable drug charge defense lawyer will help you know what you’re up against and what the best course of action is.
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Get Help for Different Types of Drug Charges
If you’re charged with drug trafficking, drug distribution, drug sales, drug manufacturing, or drug possession, you’ll want a drug charge attorney who has experience representing people who face those types of charges.
Lots of problems can stem from being charged with the offenses mentioned above — especially if money laundering charges are tacked on. How can this affect you? In addition to possibly facing significant jail time, you can also face forfeiture of your personal assets. Your home, vacation property, cars, and other prized possessions can be taken away permanently.
An experienced drug crime defense lawyer will also be able to help you if you’re facing simple drug possession charges involving, among other things, heroin, crack or cocaine, or marijuana. When fighting drug charges, an experienced attorney can make all the difference.
Choose the Right Defense Strategy
An experienced drug charge defense lawyer will choose the right defense strategy for you. Your lawyer might pick apart the supposed facts, the evidence, or the testimony of witnesses. If your lawyer is really on his game, he may find procedural errors that help your case even more. This is one reason why you should look for an experienced drug crime defense attorney with a track record of success in court cases similar to yours.
Learn Your Rights if You’re Not a U.S. Citizen
If you have a green card or are not a citizen of the United States, a drug charge can have particularly disastrous and disappointing consequences. A drug conviction can derail your immigration case — and you might even face deportation. Seek out legal counsel.
Learn About What You’re Facing
You’ll obviously want to know the consequences you may face if convicted of the drug crime charges. The fines or sentences will differ depending on the state you are charged in. For instance, if you’re arrested for possession of a controlled substance in California, you’ll be charged with a misdemeanor that could land you in jail for one year if you’re convicted. If your crime is classified as a felony, you might face a more dire sentence.
You should consult with a reputable drug charge defense attorney who will be able to build a solid case to give you the best odds possible. Your charge might be dismissed, or you may get a lighter sentence if the right lawyer is on the case. For certain, you’ll fare better with an experienced drug charge defense lawyer than you will without one.
If you’re ever charged with a drug crime, you’ll want to get legal representation. Don’t simply choose any criminal lawyer you come across. For the best results, you’ll want to find a drug crime defense attorney who has expert knowledge of relevant laws and can boost your odds of success.
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