5 Mistakes to Avoid When Facing Drug Charges
Being charged with a drug-related crime can be frightening and confusing. Regardless of whether the charge is simple drug possession, distribution, or drug trafficking, the consequences of a conviction are nothing to take lightly.
If convicted, you could face a jail sentence, fines, and a criminal record. You should also consider the ramifications stemming from any of the above — like reputational harm, difficulty finding gainful employment, and challenges renting a home or apartment.
You can help your cause by retaining the services of a criminal defense attorney with experience and expertise in helping people facing drug charges.
But here’s the thing: Even the best lawyer will have a hard time helping you if you make mistakes that hurt, rather than help, your odds. So, work with rather than against your lawyer.
Here are five critical mistakes to avoid when facing a drug-related charge. You can, by taking heed to these recommendations, tip the scales of justice in your favor.
1. Talking Too Much to Law Enforcement
One of the biggest mistakes people make in a drug-related crime is talking too much to law enforcement officials. Many people think that they can explain themselves out of a tight corner, but that’s not actually the case. Anything you say, if you’re questioned by the authorities, can and will be used against you in court.
Exercise your constitutionally protected right to remain silent. If stopped and questioned by law enforcement officials, it’s essential that you invoke this right and retain the services of a criminal defense lawyer. You can then, if your lawyer recommends doing so, talk to the police.
2. Failing to Hire an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
Another error that you should avoid is failing to hire an experienced criminal defense attorney to represent you in a drug-related offense.
An experienced criminal defense attorney will be in a position to investigate the legality of the search and seizure, challenge evidence obtained through illegal search and seizure, negotiate a plea bargain, help you get treatment through diversion programs, and more.
If any evidence against you was obtained through an illegal search or without proper cause, your lawyer can argue your constitutional rights were violated and challenge the fairness of the charges.
3. Posting About the Case on Social Media
If you’re into social media, you’ll want to take a break from posting daily updates until your legal situation is over. Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies can access your social media profiles and use evidence to build a case against you.
The best course of action is to refrain from making comments about your situation on social media. It’s also best to ask your friends and family to refrain from making comments about your situation.
4. Ignoring Court Dates or Legal Obligations
Ignoring your court dates or failing to comply with your pre-trial requirements can make your situation worse. The court takes failure to comply seriously. So, ignoring your court dates can lead to more charges being filed against you, your bail being revoked, or a warrant being issued for your arrest.
Any of these issues will make things harder for your lawyer and worsen your odds of success.
5. Failing to Take Drug Charges Seriously
Some people don’t treat drug charges seriously. This is especially true if the amount of drugs is small or if the charges are considered a misdemeanor. However, even if the charges are considered a misdemeanor, the conviction can have lasting effects.
Furthermore, previous convictions can increase penalties for subsequent offenses. Taking the charge seriously doesn’t mean you should panic, but you should take a proactive approach and follow your lawyer’s advice.
Some courts offer alternatives such as a drug court program, deferred adjudication, or a probation program that requires treatment. You should ask your lawyer if alternatives are available in your case.
Being charged with a drug offense is a serious situation. Avoiding common mistakes will help ensure you have the right to a fair and successful outcome.
The most important thing you can do for yourself is to consult a knowledgeable and experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. By seeking legal counsel, you’ll increase your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Being informed and cautious is a smart approach and could make all the difference in protecting your future.
