Drug possession refers to a crime in which a person has illegal drugs with intentions of using them, selling, or distributing them. Drug crimes remain a problem worldwide; that’s why there are stringent laws to curtail them. Yes, possessing even small amounts of illegal drugs is unlawful in most states. You might get hefty fines and long jail terms that might change your life for the worst. That’s why you ought to find a skilled drug crime lawyer fast to help you escape conviction or get favorable charges. But how will you fight back? Well, let us take you through some strategies that can help you beat drug possession.
Capitalize on the prosecutor’s busy schedule
Public prosecutors usually have a lot of files to go through and overwhelming court sessions. There are usually other major cases, such as theft and murder, to handle. So, drug possession might be given low priorities in this case. You can, therefore, take advantage of this and push your case as if it was a major one. You can make a document request, present several deponents, or create disruptions for the prosecutor’s busy procedural work.
Indeed, the prosecutor might get tired with you and may even drop the charges. They might also give you a plea agreement that may reduce your sentence or penalties. The prosecutor might even struggle to produce documents for your legal team; thus, they may be required to drop the charge due to sanction.
Opt for diversion and rehab programs
This is a nice strategy, especially if you are a juvenile or you got arrested within small quantities of drugs. The authorities may opt to offer you diversion and rehab options instead of taking you through the criminal justice system. Your charges are dropped in conditions that you pay a fine or undergo rehabilitation. According to Anchorage drug crimes attorney, you ought to stick to the terms of the diversion program. Failure to do so could result in fines or prosecution that will make your situation worse.
Refute the claims that the drugs are yours
Your lawyer can also try convincing the authorities that the drugs were not yours. What if it was constructive possession, whereby they assumed the drugs belonged to you just because they were found at your location? What if the drugs were planted? Now, these questions will need the prosecutor to produce a lot of evidence which they may not necessarily have. In such a case, they may end up dropping the charges or give a lesser penalty.
Ask for proof of the drugs seized
The law relies a lot on evidence. So, justifying that whatever evidence the prosecutor has is a drug will certainly cost them time and money. The prosecutor will be required to take the sample to the laboratory for testing, follow up the results, and arrange for another hearing. This is a delaying tactic that can be hectic on the prosecutor’s side. The prosecutor may opt for reduced fines or even drop drug possession charges against you.
Object the way drugs were seized
Another tip for fighting against drug possession is objecting to how the authorities got hold of the drugs. You can state that the drugs were obtained unlawfully as the police did not have enough reasons and warrant to search for the drugs. If the drugs you had were retrieved unlawfully, then the court can terminate the evidence presented as invalid. It might just save you jail term or hefty fines!
Wrap up
Drug possession can lead to severe penalties such as hefty fines or worse even, a jail term. However, you can fight back with the help of qualified and experienced drug crimes lawyer. The attorney will assess your situation and plot the best option to help your case.