subject: Finding A Drug Lawyer Fast [print this page] Drug crimes range in severity from possession of a small amount of drugs, such as marijuana, for personal use to trafficking or manufacturing more serious types of drugs, such as methamphetamine. If you are arrested for a drug crime, you will need to find a criminal defense attorney to help you fight the legal charges pending against you. An expert drug lawyer can make all the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony on your record.
Misdemeanor or Felony
The difference between a misdemeanor and felony can determine the type of sentence you receive. A felony on your record can prevent you from obtaining certain types of professional jobs, keep you from voting or owning a weapon, affect where you live and even impact your credit rating and how much you pay for insurance. Although the courts may initially charge you with a felony, an experienced attorney can examine all aspects of your case and ask for the charges to be reduced to a misdemeanor. In many cases, the courts must follow sentencing guidelines determined by law.
Probation or Prison
Whether you are found guilty of a drug felony or plead guilty, you can receive a probation term, be directed to complete drug counseling and community service hours, pay fines, serve time in jail and submit to random drug testing. Usually, the more serious the case is, the longer the sentence. For misdemeanors, you can receive a jail term of up to one year. The courts usually reserve prison sentences, which can last a year or longer, for felonies.
Where to Look
You will need to accelerate your search for a drug lawyer in order to reduce the possibility of a criminal conviction. Your attorney might be able to have evidence thrown out of court in some situations. If you can find an attorney quickly, this will improve your chances of aggressively contesting any inconsistencies in your case. You can search in the phone book or online and ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Consultations
Many drug lawyers will offer you a free consultation so you can meet to discuss your case. Prepare a list of questions to review before you meet with an attorney you might hire. Review topics such as fees, court strategies, and attorney experience and availability. Take a trusted family member or friend with you in order to get a second opinion. They will help you remember questions you might forget. Remember to take your personal assessment and feelings about the attorney into consideration.
