What To Do When You Have Been Charged With Drug Possession

When you are stopped while walking around town or driving and an officer of the law charges you or accuses you of drug possession, you may wonder if there is anything you can do to handle the situation and avoid serious legal consequences. Before you begin to panic, get to know some of the steps that you can take to protect yourself.

If They Haven't Searched Your Home Or Vehicle Already, Do Not Consent Without A Warrant

Police officers may stop you on the street, in your car, or even at your home for a myriad of reasons and then ask to search your home. They may use different language such as "have a look around" or the like, but the intent is the same, to find any kind of evidence to fit their suspicions about the situation (namely that you may have illegal drugs or paraphernalia in your possession).

If the police officer is intent upon searching your property, they may try to coerce you into consenting to a search. Without an official search warrant or a pressing reason to search your vehicle (e.g., because you have committed another, related crime that would require a search), they need you to give verbal consent. However, you do not have to consent unless they have the warrant.

If You Have Already Been Searched, Contact A Criminal Defense Attorney Immediately

If you already consented to a search and the police did charge you with drug possession, then you have an entirely different situation to deal with. As soon as your property has been searched, you should consider contacting a criminal defense attorney, like those at Bayley & Mangan Law Office.

If your attorney can start the process right away, they may be able to have your charges overturned based on the process by which the police convinced you to consent to the search. In the case that the police had a search warrant, a criminal defense attorney may even be able to get the search warrant overturned and therefore your charges dropped. There are many angles from which to approach your drug possession charges, but some of them require swift legal action.

Now that you know a few of the steps to take when you are facing an accusation of drug possession or even an actual legal charge of drug possession, you can take the necessary steps to protect yourself and handle the situation as well as you can.