According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, approximately 70,000 drug overdose deaths occur in the US every year.
Drug possession lawyer Stephen R. Glazer says that a convicted drug offender may be required to pay fines, complete community restitution hours, and serve a possible term of probation aside from jail time or imprisonment.
This article will go over your rights and the legal actions you can take once you are arrested for drug possession.
Understanding Your Rights After an Arrest
You must know your rights to prevent being abused and violated after a drug arrest.
According to https://www.dellisonlaw.com/, police must follow certain criminal procedures under the 4th Amendment rights before conducting a search or seizure on your person, in your property, in your car, or in your house.
You have the right to remain silent. Keep in mind that anything that you say can be used against you in court.
Having legal counsel is another fundamental right. If you cannot afford one, the state will provide you with a public defender.
You can request to meet with a lawyer before you answer any questions. You have the right to refuse unreasonable searches and arrests. If the police did not have probable cause or a warrant, the evidence they find can be deemed inadmissible.
Immediate Steps to Take Following Your Arrest
Remain calm and immediately take action after being arrested for drug possession.
Document the circumstances of your arrest, including the officers’ names and badge numbers. Write down key details about the incident as best as possible, and fill in the information as accurately as you can remember.
Answer honestly and politely when asked about your personal information and questions involving your rights.
Seek help from any reliable individual you personally know.
The Importance of Hiring a Skilled Attorney
An experienced drug possession lawyer can listen to your case and assess your situation. They can negotiate on your behalf to have charges substantially decreased or even secure an agreeable settlement that lessens the penalties associated with the charge.
How an Attorney Can Build Your Defense
When dealing with drug possession charges, a competent lawyer will do a thorough review of your case to establish a solid defense. They will check the circumstances of your arrest, including the constitutionality of the search and seizure. Your lawyer will cross-examine all witnesses to determine their credibility and gather supporting evidence for the defense.
They will explain potential legal alternatives to jail sentences, such as rehabilitation programs.
For your specific case, they will come up with a defense strategy that will help them get the charges dropped, lowered, or even negotiate a plea deal.
Managing the Legal Process for Drug Possession Charges
After your arrest, there will be an arraignment hearing where you can negotiate a plea deal. Consult a skilled lawyer to advise you on this stage. They will work with the prosecution to help you reach a plea deal or look into other possible sentences.
Keep an open line of communication with your lawyer to receive regular case updates and track the progress of your case.
Assert your rights if arrested for drug possession. Hiring a skilled lawyer gives you a considerable advantage since they can use their knowledge and expertise to uphold your rights and contest any illegal acts against you.
