If you have been charged with a drug crime and need legal advice, consider contacting a Missouri drug possession lawyer. Possession is a common type of drug case, and your attorney can review the evidence and begin building your defense. Also, the lawyer may be able to reduce the charges. Learn more about working with an attorney.
Most drug possession cases are charged as Class D felonies. If convicted, people can face a fine of up to $10,000 and incarceration of up to seven years. People may also be charged with a Class C felony as well as a Class A misdemeanor for marijuana possession. In each case, a drug possession lawyer will fight to help clients reduce the charges or avoid a conviction. Read on to learn about common strategies lawyers use.
Attorneys often recommend drug court for first-time, non-violent offenders. Defendants must plead guilty before starting the drug court program. Drug court programs vary but typically include mandatory treatment and drug testing. Participants also might have to provide community service as part of the agreement. The court and attorney explain all the details before the participant agrees to the program.
After following the requirements and completing the program, the court may drop the guilty plea and charges. Also, many people end up drug-free for the rest of their lives after finishing treatment. Therefore, drug court can help people start sober and more fulfilling lives.
A Missouri drug possession lawyer can also work to get the charges reduced or dismissed. For example, marijuana cases are often reduced to littering or dismissed entirely. The attorney will work with the prosecutor to reach a desired outcome for the client. Since defense attorneys and prosecutors negotiate regularly, they can often reach an agreement.
Sometimes, drug possession cases go to court. When this happens, the attorney presents a defense to pursue a win at trial. Some common defenses include unlawful traffic stops, illegal search and seizure, and unreliable witness testimony. Also, the drugs might have belonged to someone else, or there could be a problem with the chain of custody. Attorneys review all the evidence and follow it when building a defense.
It can feel like the world is closing in when charged with drug possession. First, remember that a charge is not the same as a conviction. Second, contact a Missouri drug possession lawyer so you can get legal advice and help with your defense. Your attorney might advise you to consider drug court or could attempt to reduce or dismiss the charges. Additionally, your lawyer will get ready to try the case in court if needed.
Call us at (417) 865-2181 for more information from Dean Price Law or to schedule a consultation in our office in Springfield.
NOTE: This is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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