As a college-aged student, you’ve been exposed to plenty of firsts. You may have had your first swig of alcohol after your exams, and you may have even tried drugs for the first time with a new group of friends. All of these situations were temporary and may not have immediately resulted in any long-term consequences.
Unfortunately, casual drug use can turn to habit and may eventually result in costly mistakes. If you have been searched by an officer and found with pills without labels or identification, it could lead to an arrest and subsequent drug charges.
What should I do if I’m facing drug possession charges?
If you’re facing charges for drug possession, it’s a good idea to talk to an attorney about building a strong defense. There may be good defense options, such as showing that the drugs aren’t illegal, that you don’t have enough to warrant a charge or that you have a prescription for the medication. In some cases, you may be able to take your case to the drug courts, which could result in a better outcome compared to a traditional courtroom.
What are the penalties for a drug conviction?
A conviction will negatively impact your life, which is why a qualified attorney will work hard to prevent a conviction if at all possible. With fines of up to $5,000 for the possession of Schedule I or II drugs and jail time of up to two years depending on the drugs in your possession, this is not a situation that you can afford to take lightly.
Making the right actions now can help you prevent a conviction in the future. Call an experienced criminal defense attorney today to discuss your case and ensure you have the strongest possible defense heading into your trial.