DRUG CASE DEFENSE

Most cases of illegal drug possession for personal use are misdemeanors, which tempts people to not take a drug charge seriously.  Making this mistake can follow you for the rest of your life. 

Did you know that even misdemeanors can result in up to a year in prison?  There are also circumstances which can elevate a drug charge from a misdemeanor to a felony, which can come with longer prison sentences, difficulty finding a job, and larger fines.  Every step of the process can put you in greater jeopardy if handled wrong.  It is imperative that you obtain the services of a qualified and experienced lawyer like Derrick Smalls immediately.

The Smalls Law Firm will make sure that your best interests are always protected.  Even as the defendant, you have rights!  We can often get your charges reduced, the penalties lessened, and sometimes even have the case dismissed.  We understand that one instance of simple possession shouldn’t ruin your entire life, and we fight to protect you.

There are several reasons that your drug charge can be dismissed.  In drug possession charges, if the prosecutor cannot prove beyond a reasonable doubt that:

• You were aware of the presence of the drug
• The drug is, in fact, a “controlled substance”
• You knew the drug was a “controlled substance”
• That your possession of that particular “controlled substance” was illegal, such as a prohibited drug or a prescription drug you didn’t have a prescription for
• You had a “usable amount” of the drug, not just residue

If any of these cannot be demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt, your drug charge can be dismissed.

However, you don’t have to be caught with the drugs actually in your possession to be charged with drug possession.  In other words, the police don’t have to catch you with drugs in your pocket or anywhere else on your body.  If you are able to easily access the drugs, such as in your car or your home, you could be charged with what’s called “constructive possession.”

You could also be charged with joint possession if the police believe the drugs were shared with two or more people.  For instance, if drugs are found in a couple’s bedroom, both people could be charged with possession.

Don’t let the label of misdemeanor cause you not to take the drug charges seriously.  The consequences can be severe and long-lasting.  Some of the consequences could be:

• Prison
• Loss of employment
• Difficulty in obtaining employment
• Difficulty getting approved for housing
• Student loan denial
• Loss of custody of children
• Many more

The legal system can be confusing, and the process can be complicated.  Don’t compound your difficult situation by trying to go it alone.  It’s in your best long-term interest to get an experienced drug attorney to help navigate the process.  At Smalls Law Firm, we have the experience to understand the best methods to lessen the impact of a drug charge conviction or even to get the charges throw out completely so that you can get your life back.  Call us today!