Criminal Lawyer
Fighting a drug possession charge is a serious matter. Between the war on drugs and the legalization of marijuana, this topic seems to be in the headlines quite a bit. However newsworthy it may be, when someone is faced with a drug possession charge it should be taken seriously. Hefty fines and lengthy prison terms could be at stake depending upon where the defendant lives. Luckily, with the right defense lawyer on your side, you can confidently fight against the charges. Here are three ways a lawyer can help you fight a drug possession charge.
- They will gather evidence and build a case
As with any legal case, a drug possession charge requires a lot of information gathering and paperwork. A defense lawyer will do the majority of the leg work for you. They will work to gather evidence, speak to witnesses, and file the appropriate paperwork. They will make sure your drug possession charge is indeed legitimate and not fabricated. The legal definition of a drug possession charge is actively knowing that you were in possession of an illegal substance. This means the prosecution must prove this fact. But what if the drugs in question aren’t yours? What if it was your roommate that was guilty and not you? All of these things will be researched by a proper defense attorney to ensure a fair charge was given.
- They will put pressure on the prosecution
Drug possession charges, while serious, can end up at the bottom of the priority list for many prosecutors. In the grand scheme of charges, a drug possession (especially if only a misdemeanor) is not as significant. A good defense lawyer will present the prosecution with a solid case and require meticulous documentation – from asking the prosecution to present the actual drugs in question in court to requiring the testimony of an expert scientist to prove the drugs were in fact real. This diligence shows the prosecution that the defendant cares about the case and could possibly result in a reduced sentence or dropped charges.
- They will help you clearly understand your charges
Due to the varying degree of drug possession charges, it can sometimes be confusing as to what the charges actually are. Is it a misdemeanor or a felony? Are you looking at a small or large fine? Is prison time on the table? A good defense attorney will talk you through exactly what you are being charged with as well as the potential penalties. It is important to know what you are facing when you are building your case so you know the best way to proceed. With the right person on your team, you won’t have to feel overwhelmed by all the legal terminology. You can have all the information you need to make an informed decision about how you want to plead your case.
Due to the varying degree of severity of drug possession charges, it is important that you seek legal counsel. If you or someone you know is facing a drug possession charge, reach out to a criminal defense attorney San Francisco, CA trusts today.
Thank you to our friends and contributors at Morales Law Firm for their insight into ways a lawyer can fight your drug possession charge and criminal defense.