Complexities of "Simple" Drug Possession Isn’t So Simple

“Simple” Drug Possession Isn’t So Simple

Simple drug possession generally refers to drug possession cases that involve small amounts of drugs intended for personal use. While simple possession cases are less serious than those involving an intent to distribute drugs, they are still a serious legal matter that can result in significant legal and collateral consequences. For this reason, if you are facing drug possession accusations of any kind, you should call a Montgomery criminal defense attorney as soon as you can.

Alabama has some of the strictest drug laws in the nation. If you are caught with a small amount of marijuana or drug paraphernalia, you could be accused of a misdemeanor offense that could result in fines of up to $6,000 and a year in jail. Furthermore, if you are caught with any amount of drugs like prescription medications or heroin, you could be accused of a felony, which can result in much more serious penalties. 

In addition to penalties imposed by the court, a simple drug possession conviction is likely to result in serious collateral consequences. Collateral consequences are consequences you may experience as a result of having a criminal conviction on your record. As such, they can arise long after your court-ordered sentence has come to a close. Some examples of the potential collateral consequences of a drug conviction include:

• Disciplinary action imposed by your school, including suspension or expulsion
• Losing your current job
• Difficulty getting hired
• Problems renting an apartment
• Issues obtaining a professional license, such as an engineering or medical license

In this way, even a drug conviction for a “little bit of weed” can potentially affect your opportunities for years to come. For this reason, if you have been arrested for drug possession, you should call a criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery as soon as you can.

There May Be Defenses Available

If you have been arrested for drug possession, there is a good chance that your arrest came after a search of your car, your person, or your home. As a result, you may feel like your only option is to plead guilty and move on with your life - but this is not necessarily the case.

In many drug possession cases, there are defenses a skilled lawyer can raise that may mitigate your sentence or even result in your case being dropped or dismissed. For example, if the police violated your rights during a search, it may be possible to have the evidence they discovered excluded from court. If drug evidence is excluded, it will likely mean that your case will be dropped. 

Importantly, even if you do not have defenses available, a lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea bargain that avoids the most serious consequences associated with your offense. For this reason, you should call an attorney after a drug arrest, regardless of the circumstances.

Call Us Today to Schedule a Consultation with a Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been accused of possessing illegal drugs, you should contact an attorney as soon as you can. Terry Luck of Luck Law LLC has been practicing law for more than 20 years and has the experience it takes to resolve your case as favorably as possible. To schedule a consultation, contact us online today.