Law enforcement members must perform their jobs thoroughly, carefully and legally. One misstep or one dishonest cop can upend any arrest and chance for a conviction. For these authorities, toeing the line and working by the book are idioms to which they must subscribe.
This legal necessity applies to all criminal scenarios, especially drug-related cases. Anyone arrested on a drug charge understands that they face a conviction leading to incarceration, probation and fines. But there are ways to fight these charges based on whether the arrest occurred on a technicality or blatant abuse by arresting officers
Was it a legal arrest?
A drug conviction can upend your life. It can affect you, your family as well as your ability to secure a job since employers are thorough with background checks. By working with a skilled criminal defense attorney, you may achieve a more palatable result such as reduced charges or a dismissal.
Here are some things that can work in your favor. They include whether the:
- Arresting officer followed the law. If he or she did not, the case can get thrown out by the court.
- Arrest involved a reasonable search and seizure.
- Drugs were planted in your home, vehicle or on your body.
- Drugs belonged to someone else and not you.
- Amount of confiscated drugs in question were small or large.
- Criminal charge represented the first one on your record.
A drug arrest can happen to a variety of people, including college students, working-class mothers and fathers as well as executives and seniors. If you find yourself in this predicament, working with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney remains a solid initial step. It is an investment that might help you.