Drug Charges Aren’t “Minor” – Why You Need a Strong Legal Defense
Many people underestimate drug charges, especially when it’s their first offense or the amount of drugs involved seems small. Unfortunately, the legal system doesn’t take drug charges lightly, and even a small amount can have big consequences. If you’re facing criminal drug charges, here’s why you need to hire an experienced defense lawyer right away.
1. First offenses aren’t always given leniency
There’s a myth that you’ll be given leniency for your first offense, but that’s not always the case. Some people get a break, while others don’t, and there’s no way to know ahead of time how things will play out.
“Just because it’s your first offense doesn’t mean the prosecutor’s looking to cut you a break,” shares a drug crime lawyer from SBBL Law. “Sometimes they push harder because you’re the example they want to set.”
Don’t make the mistake of trying to fight your charges without a lawyer, expecting slack you might not get. Go in strong from the start with an experienced drug crime lawyer by your side.
2. Small amounts of drugs can carry hefty penalties
Even seemingly “small” charges can carry big consequences. Possession, intent to distribute, and paraphernalia charges often carry mandatory minimums and sentencing enhancements. Because of strict sentencing requirements, many people have been sentenced to life without parole (LWOP) for nonviolent drug crimes. For example, this report documents people getting LWOP for possession of a crack pipe, having a single crack rock at home, acting as the middleman in the sale of $10 of marijuana, negotiating someone else’s crack sale, and having a stash of decongestant pills commonly used to make meth. In these cases, the judges didn’t agree with the sentence, but their hands were tied.
In some cases, teens are being charged with homicide for simply distributing fentanyl. Another man received a 15-year sentence for trace amounts of meth. No matter how small your charges seem, it doesn’t mean you’re going to get off easy, especially if you have prior convictions. The only way to ensure you get the best possible outcome is to hire a drug crime attorney.
3. Drug charges can impact every aspect of your life
Having a criminal record consisting of drug charges can cause you to lose student financial aid, child custody, and even immigration status. Employers usually run background checks on candidates, and drug convictions can be an automatic disqualifier. And although most landlords aren’t legally allowed to discriminate based on criminal history, you might have a hard time finding a place to live.
A good lawyer will fight hard to reduce your charges and penalties as much as possible. If the prosecution offers you a plea agreement, your attorney will make sure it makes sense for you to accept. If you receive a plea offer, you’ll plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. However, it’s crucial for a skilled lawyer to negotiate your plea deal. Plea offers aren’t always fair, and if you don’t have a lawyer, the prosecutor might pressure you into accepting a bad deal. While not guaranteed, a lawyer can negotiate terms that reduce your penalties and sometimes avoid conviction completely.
4. A lawyer can challenge evidence against you
You might think your life is over just because the police searched your home and found drugs, but that’s not necessarily true. If the search was performed illegally, a lawyer can get that evidence suppressed. If that’s all the evidence they have against you, there’s a chance your case could get dropped.
Likewise, if there was a problem with the chain of custody or your constitutional rights were violated, an experienced criminal drug lawyer will know exactly how to poke holes in the prosecutor’s case.
5. You only get one chance to defend yourself
Once you enter a plea or go to trial, you can’t undo it. You can file an appeal, but it doesn’t give you a new trial. All you can do with an appeal is challenge specific legal errors, which is why most appeals fail. The smart move is to hire an attorney from the start to protect your rights and future. A skilled defense attorney can spot weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and guide you through the maze of legal procedures so you don’t make any mistakes.
Treat your case like your life depends on it
Facing drug charges is a serious matter, and that’s why you need a lawyer. Don’t test your DIY legal skills. Get a professional in your corner who knows how to fight.