How A Lawyer Can Help You Fight Drug Possession Charges

Did you know that according to a National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics report, 1.16 million Americans face drug-related arrests annually?

Los Angeles drug possession lawyer Marc Gibbons says that California has its own system for classifying and penalizing drug crimes. California categorizes drug possession crimes into two categories: simple possession and possession with the intent to sell.

Your penalties for drug possession can include one to three years of imprisonment, fines up to $1,000, and community service hours.

There is a possibility that your sentence could be increased if the defendant was under 18 years of age and if the crime took place on school property.

Let’s learn more about how you can legally prepare and educate yourself when faced with drug possession charges.

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Legal Guidance And Advice

If you find yourself facing drug possession charges, getting a lawyer can help you understand your rights and options to go through the legal process.

According to www.vitalianolaw.com, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency and its scheduling system determine the most appropriate penalties for drug-related offenses when it comes to drug possession charges in New York.

An expert drug possession lawyer can assist you in reviewing all of the evidence against you, assessing the case’s strengths and weaknesses, and advising you on the best course of action to take. He can represent you in court, advocate for your rights, and present arguments on your behalf.

Evidence Assessment And Challenges

A lawyer meticulously examines the methods used to obtain the evidence in a drug possession case. The evidence must be properly handled and not altered. The credibility of witnesses and the reliability of any testimonies presented against you will be examined.

Your lawyer may question the validity of lab tests, challenge the accuracy of drug identification procedures, or dispute the ownership of the drugs in question.

Negotiating Plea Deals

Plea bargaining can play an important role in your drug possession charges. Your attorney will work to secure a plea deal that may result in reduced charges, lesser penalties, or alternative sentencing options.

During plea negotiations, your lawyer will carefully assess the evidence against you and evaluate legal options to minimize potential consequences. Your lawyer must be skilled at negotiating in order to help you avoid the uncertainties and risks of going to trial.

Court Representation And Defense

During court proceedings, your lawyer will present arguments and evidence to support your innocence or minimize the charges against you. He will cross-examine witnesses, object to improper evidence, and make strong legal arguments to defend your rights.

You can investigate potential defenses to demonstrate your innocence, such as unlawful search and seizure, lack of possession, or insufficient evidence.

Sentencing Mitigation And Advocacy

If the situation calls for it, your lawyer will aim to mitigate the sentences in your drug possession case. They will highlight mitigating factors such as lack of prior criminal record, cooperation with authorities, or seeking rehabilitation.

The lawyer can negotiate with the prosecution to reach a plea agreement that may lead to a lesser sentence, which involves careful consideration of the specific circumstances of your case and leveraging any factors that could potentially result in a more lenient sentence.

Conclusion

There are many benefits to hiring a lawyer when dealing with a drug possession case. Their expertise alone guarantees effective court representation and the upholding of your rights. They will exhaust all means to reduce your sentence and achieve a favorable result in your case.