From the sale of a controlled substance and drug possession to drug trafficking and manufacturing, any type of drug-related charges can result in serious repercussions in the event of a conviction. Even if you’re only facing a misdemeanor, your future employment, your eligibility to receive a loan and even your ability to find a place to live could be in jeopardy. Felony drug offenses, on the other hand, have the potential to result in substantial prison sentences and significant monetary fines.
No matter the type and seriousness of your charges, you have a right to the presumption of innocence unless and until you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. You also have the right to defend yourself against any and all accusations. One of the most critical steps in your future best interests could be determining the best possible criminal defense strategy for your unique situation. Some of the most common means of approaching drug-related charges include the following:
- Disputing the manner in which police conducted their search and seizure of the drugs
- Presenting evidence that the drugs belonged to another party and the accused was not even aware of their presence
- Questioning particular elements of the prosecution’s testimony
- Challenging the accuracy of the crime lab test results
- Disputing any evidence brought forth by the prosecution, including potential chain of custody issues where there was a mishandling of the drugs in question by law enforcement
Another possible defense strategy is to show that the drug charges were the result of entrapment. This can happen when someone in law enforcement or a position of authority threatens or harasses an individual into doing something illegal.
Where to turn for help and support
Regardless of the serious nature of your alleged actions, it’s important to remember that formal crime accusations are still far from an actual conviction. Whether you’re facing state or federal drug charges, there are professional resources readily available to help guide you through these challenging times. An experienced Texas criminal law attorney can carefully build the best criminal defense possible for your unique situation while also ensuring the protection of your rights throughout the entire process.
