Why You Need a Good Drug Defense Lawyer

With the punishments for drug-related crimes becoming harsher across the country, it is more important than ever to seek representation from a good drug defense lawyer. There are many different criminal charges that are in some way associated with illegal drugs. Some offenses carry more serious potential consequences than others, but any conviction can permanently affect your life and reputation. As with other types of criminal convictions, drug-related convictions may require jail time and make it more difficult to find employment upon completion of your sentence.

Statistics in recent years have shown an increase in the estimated number of adult arrests for drug abuse violations. The number of juvenile arrests has not increased, but it has not decreased either. Drug offenses include any violation of the laws that prohibit the possession, distribution, and manufacture of illegal drugs. These offenses include drug possession or use, production of methamphetamine, growing marijuana, and the sale of illegal drugs. Many of these crimes may be considered misdemeanors or felonies, depending upon the amount of the drug that is involved. For example, in some states, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana (weed) is a misdemeanor, but possession of more than 20 grams is a felony. Because the laws regarding drug-related crimes are so extensive and widely varied, it is important to have a drug defense lawyer on your side.

A regular attorney who provides services for many different types of cases may be less thoroughly knowledgeable about drug-related crimes and laws. A drug defense lawyer will have more experience with cases similar to yours. He or she will likely have greater knowledge and understanding of the specific drug crime classifications and potential sentences. This professional is better suited to defend you and will be well-prepared to refute any evidence from the prosecutor. Your chances of a conviction are greatly lowered by having this attorney in your corner. A good drug defense lawyer will also be able to provide expert witnesses on your behalf. Those witnesses may be called upon to refute the evidence or testimony that the prosecutor has presented against you.

Prescriptions for narcotic drugs are becoming more prominent in many states. With this increase in prescription drug use, there is also an increase in criminal charges regarding fraudulent prescriptions. Another type of criminal charge is doctor shopping, which involves receiving prescriptions for the same narcotic from more than one doctor at the same time. As the criminal charges involving prescription forgery and doctor shopping continue to rise, prosecutors may begin seeking harsher types of punishment. A conviction for this type of charge may only result in a simple diversion program, but you could end up with a prison sentence. The wide range of possible sentences makes it even more important to have a good drug defense lawyer representing you. Even if you are convicted of the crime, a qualified attorney may be able to greatly reduce your sentence.

There are many different types of drug-related charges, including possession or illegal use, drug trafficking, forged prescriptions, drug sale, and drug manufacture. When you are facing this type of charge, you will want an attorney who knows every detail of this specific area of the law. This lawyer will provide the best chance at a dismissal or at least a reduction of the charges.