If you are facing drug charges, you are likely contending with a serious situation. Drug crimes are some of the most serious crimes you can be charged with, especially in the state. The state takes drug charges very seriously and may even seek to use your case as a way to deter others from committing similar crimes and enduring equally harsh penalties. If you ever find yourself facing drug charges, reach out to a High Point drug crime lawyer as soon as you can.
It can be next to impossible to fight a drug charge on your own without adequate legal representation. That applies to most, if not all, felony charges. The last thing you want to do is work hard to fight your charges alone, only to end up facing prison time because you were unable to provide yourself with adequate representation. Bringing an experienced drug crime lawyer onto your case may be the most important decision you can make for yourself.
Having someone in your corner who understands and appreciates the complexities of the state’s drug crimes can only benefit you in the long run. An experienced drug crime lawyer knows the kind of help you are going to need in battling the charges made against you and can provide you with constant support, advice, and protection. After all, it is vitally important that you take the proper steps to protect yourself after being charged with a drug crime.
It is important to never lose sight of what your lawyer’s primary goal is. Your lawyer wants to help you beat the charges being made against you. Achieving that goal may be easier said than done at times, but it is important that you never forget your lawyer is here to help you. With that in mind, remember that your lawyer won’t judge you or try to hurt your case.
Facing drug charges can be an overwhelming situation to find yourself in. When you are dealing with the fallout of those charges, there are many things you can do to help your lawyer make sure your case is taken seriously, given proper consideration, and acceptable results. The most important step you can take to help your lawyer is to be totally honest with them. Your lawyer cannot give you the help you need unless you are completely transparent with them.
You may be reluctant to admit certain truths to your lawyer. You may be embarrassed to reveal the facts of your case. You may believe some information is not relevant to your case. All of this is understandable but could impede your case and prevent your lawyer from giving you effective representation.
North Carolina takes felony drug charges very seriously. If you are convicted of a felony drug charge, you could be looking at significant fines and substantial prison time. If your drug charge is a misdemeanor, you may want to look into the state’s statute of limitations for misdemeanor crimes. If your situation matches the criteria, law enforcement generally has two years to bring a case against you.
Some criminal courts may seek to bring significant charges against drug dealers, drug possessors, drug traffickers, and even drug users as a way to keep others from committing similar crimes. Hiring an experienced drug crime lawyer could help keep you from being a statistic that discourages others from enduring similar penalties for violating the North Carolina’s Controlled Substances Act.
There is no telling how much a criminal defense lawyer might cost in the state. Every criminal case is going to be different. Each case has its own set of details and circumstances that are unique to the individual case. The lawyer you choose will provide you with a quote that they feel is appropriate for the services they will provide you. Their fee will take into consideration the lawyer’s experience, education, and resources, among other factors.
The state classifies controlled substances by assigning various controlled substances to different schedules ranging from I to VI. Schedule I drugs have the highest severity, while Schedule VI drugs have the lowest severity. Each schedule has different penalties attached to it. If you are caught possessing certain drugs, the penalties you may receive will depend on which schedule they fall under, as well as other factors.
There are many different potential defenses that your lawyer might use to help you challenge the charges made against you. It largely depends on your case. If there are any technicalities in your case, such as an improper chain of evidence, a lack of probable cause, unlawful search and seizure, or other lapses in police procedure, you may have an easier chance of getting the case thrown out. If you can prove you had no knowledge of the drugs, that can help, too.
Technically, no, you do not need to hire a lawyer for your case. There is no law in High Point, NC that says you need to hire an attorney. You are perfectly able to pursue legal action on your own without the help of one. Still, it is recommended that you hire a lawyer any time you are dealing with some sort of legal issue. Having someone on your side who understands the ins and outs of the law can only help you in the long run.
At LAWSMITH, The Law Offices of J. Scott Smith, PLLC, we understand the kind of legal help you may need when fighting drug charges. We can help you build up a strong defense strategy, gather the evidence you may need, and make sure that your interests are protected throughout. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a valued team member.