Drug charges in Phoenix, Arizona are not something a person should take lightly. The first thing you should do is enlist the services of a Phoenix drug lawyer if you are arrested and charged with a drug-related crime. Here are some things you need to know about how a lawyer can help you in these cases.
What constitutes a drug charge?
You already know that selling, using and having drugs in your possession are illegal activities. However, other drug-related crimes involve things like transportation/trafficking, distribution, money laundering, wiretaps, and conspiracy charges also apply in some drug offenses. It’s crucial that you understand that even if you have nothing to do with drugs, if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time you could be charged for a lesser, but still life-altering offense.
What constitutes a drug?
The standard illegal drugs like marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, LSD, ecstasy, “designer”, and other illegal drugs are often involved in criminal offenses. However, prescription drugs can also result in criminal charges depending on the circumstances and how they are used.
How can a lawyer help?
A lawyer can determine if your rights have been infringed in any way, build your defense, defend your rights, and depending on the circumstances can help reduce your sentence or eliminate the charges.
What things does a lawyer do in building a defense?
One way lawyers win in drug-related trials is to file motions to suppress evidence. This only works when evidence is found to have been acquired illegally. It’s often used in all cases, but it works only in some even though it’s a popular defense strategy. It’s better to take the chance than ignore the opportunity. Your lawyer may also try to invalidate a search warrant. This works when there is proof that there was no probable cause for a warrant or a search of your residence/property.
The one thing you cannot expect to work in a defense is declaring your ignorance of illegal drugs. Your Phoenix drug defense lawyer may be able to prove you had no knowledge of the presence/possession of drugs, but not the ignorance of the laws against them. This is hard to prove, but your lawyer will know how to proceed and build a proper defense to help with your case in court.