Drug Crime Defense Attorneys
What are drug crimes?
Both the federal government and every state government have laws prohibiting the possession, manufacture, and sale of certain drugs, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and (federally and still in most states) marijuana. Drug crimes also include illegal possession or distribution of substances that are legal under some circumstances, such as prescription drugs. The most common drug charges are:
- Possession: knowingly and intentionally possessing an illegal controlled substance in sufficient quantity for personal use or sale.
- Manufacturing: participating in cultivation or production of an illegal controlled substance.
- Distribution/trafficking: selling, transferring, exchanging, importing or exporting an illegal controlled substance.
The penalties for drug crimes vary from state to state, but every jurisdiction uses scaling penalties depending on the type and quantity of controlled substance. Possession of small qualities of less heavily restricted substances is usually charged as a misdemeanor, but distribution and trafficking are always felonies.
What does a drug crime defense attorney do?
Many criminal defense attorneys focus their practices on defending people facing drug charges. Some of the actions a drug crime defense lawyer may take on a client’s behalf include:
- Reviewing the circumstances of a drug arrest and taking action if the client’s rights were violated
- Negotiating with the prosecution to seek a reduced charge (e.g., possession instead of distribution) or reduced penalty
- Helping the client get into a diversion program, if applicable
- Finding legal grounds to exclude evidence
- Hiring expert witnesses
- Representing the client at trial, if necessary
A drug crime defense attorney’s goal is to get the optimal outcome for each client. Because drug offenses often carry harsh penalties and the consequences of a conviction can be so severe, an attorney may advise a client to take a plea bargain for a reduced charge instead of taking the risk of going to trial, depending on the circumstances and the amount of evidence the prosecution has. A good defense lawyer is both an attorney and counselor, making sure each client is fully aware of their legal options and the potential outcomes.
How much does a drug crime defense attorney cost?
The cost to hire a defense lawyer varies from place to place, but most will cost $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the type, severity and complexity of the charge. Many lawyers offer payment plans or installment agreements to make this easier for clients, since a criminal charge is usually unexpected. It’s important to keep in mind that the long-term personal, professional, and financial consequences of a drug charge can be far more expensive than the cost of a lawyer.
How do I choose the right drug crime defense lawyer?
Effective defense attorneys have a few things in common: experience, familiarity with the local courts, and a track record of positive results. An experienced attorney knows the law, the judges, and the prosecutors, and leverages that familiarity to get better outcomes for clients.
Many attorneys offer a free consultation, but even if there is a fee for the initial meeting, it’s usually worthwhile to get candid answers about your legal rights and options. Meeting with an experienced defense attorney may be the key to minimizing the impact of a drug charge.
