Drug Crime Lawyers in Birmingham Ready to Fight
When you are facing your first (or subsequent) arrest for a drug offense, it is normal to experience stress during this difficult time. The justice system can be complex and intimidating. Following an arrest for drug crimes, you might feel overwhelmed and confused about your case and the possible consequences of a conviction. It is important to seek legal counsel after your arrest in order to ensure someone is fighting on your side. From arrest to arraignment and beyond, having the help of a Birmingham drug crime lawyer may make the process easier to navigate.
What Are Drug Possession Charges?
Illegal drug possession charges are filed following an arrest for having illegal drugs on your person, vehicle, or residence. It is important to keep in mind that possession can be both illegal drugs (cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other controlled substances) and legal drugs, such as prescription drugs, that you have obtained illegally. You can also be arrested for possessing drug paraphernalia, even if drugs are not present or on your person. Drug crime charges can also occur if you have knowledge of controlled substances or are in the vicinity of illegal drugs without knowledge. In this instance, proving a lack of knowledge may be enough to have the possession charge dismissed. Drug possession charges can occur as the only crime or in conjunction with other charges. Whether you are facing a standalone charge or multiple criminal charges, drug crime lawyers will be able to help you navigate your case.
What is an Intent to Distribute Charge?
Being arrested for an intent to distribute-charge is not the same as being arrested for a possession charge. If you have been arrested for possession with intent to distribute, that is a more serious crime with increased potential penalties over a standard possession crime. Intent to distribute includes the manufacturing and delivery of drugs. A person may also be arrested for drug paraphernalia related to manufacturing. When a person is arrested with high quantities of drugs on them, the charge may be elevated to trafficking charges. Anything beyond a possession charge has the potential to result in higher fines and longer jail time for the offender. Regardless of the severity of the charge against you, speaking with an experienced drug crime lawyer is a crucial first step in your fight for justice. Since the stakes are higher in terms of possible punishments, legal counsel may be the best bet.
What Should I Know About Drug Possession Charges in Alabama?
It is important to know a few things about how drug crimes are handled in Alabama. For starters, it is worth noting that not all cases are the same in the criminal courts. An arrest for a small amount of marijuana will not carry the same consequences as an arrest for class C drugs. Class C drugs (heroin, meth, cocaine, and other illicit drugs of this nature) are automatically an Alabama felony charge. A felony charge carries stricter punishments than a misdemeanor charge, such as a longer jail sentence and higher fines. The charges may also be more serious if the drug crime occurs alongside a violent offense or one involving a firearm. The courts may also take into account whether or not a person is a repeat offender. Generally speaking, first-time offenders are granted more leniency than repeat drug crime offenders. Whether someone is a first-time offender or repeat offender, seeking legal counsel from a drug crime lawyer is still a smart move, especially when you consider that the penalties for drug crime convictions in Alabama may include up to $15,000 in fines and up to 10 years in jail. A conviction may also result in other penalties, such as community service, court-ordered treatment and education about drugs, or other programs aimed at rehabilitation of offenders.
How Can Drug Lawyers Help You?
An experienced drug crime lawyer will be able to help in a few essential ways. For starters, they will act as your guide through the entirety of the legal process, from arraignment to sentencing. They will serve as your advocate and representative before the judge while answering your questions about the possible options. While your lawyer will fight to have the charges dismissed, when possible, they will also be able to argue for leniency in cases where a conviction may be inevitable. If the decision needs to be appealed, drug crime lawyers may be able to help you get the justice you deserve. Your lawyer will be able to explain all of the possible consequences of your case in the event of a conviction. If you are already on parole for a previous crime, a drug crime lawyer may be able to argue for a less severe sentence as part of the legal system’s attempt to rehabilitate you. Whatever the circumstances may be, your legal team will fight on your legal behalf to secure the best outcome possible.
Consult Our Legal Team Today
The period following an arrest may be one of the most stressful you will ever experience. When you are facing drug crime charges, you are bound to have questions during this confusing time. You deserve compassionate legal counsel with a focus on you as an individual—not just another case number. Call us today at (205) 521-7378(205) 521-7378 for a consultation here. We are ready to fight for your future in a court of law.
