Drug possession charges are a serious legal matter with potentially life-altering consequences. If you are facing drug possession charges, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights and options to protect your future. Keep reading to learn how to get drug possession charges dismissed.
The best place to begin is securing legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney. An attorney with experience in drug possession charges will know how to leverage sound legal strategies to increase your chances of a case dismissal. In addition, they can help you navigate the legal system and build a tailored defense strategy based on the specific details of your case.
Qualified attorneys will also help you understand your legal rights, negotiate with the prosecution, and represent you in court if necessary. With the right criminal defense attorney in your corner, you can determine which strategies to dismiss drug possession charges apply to your case.
Top Strategies to Achieve a Drug Possession Charge Dismissal
While every case is unique, here are some of the most common strategies criminal defense attorneys use when trying to get drug possession charges dismissed.
1. Challenging the Legality of the Search and Seizure
One of the most common defenses in drug possession cases is to challenge the legality of the search and seizure that led to the discovery of the drugs. For example, if the police did not have a warrant, probable cause, or consent to search, the court may exclude the evidence from the trial. And this could result in the dismissal of the charges.
2. Proving Lack of Possession
Another defense strategy is to argue that the defendant did not possess the drugs. For example, the drugs may have belonged to someone else, or the defendant may not have known that the drugs were in their possession.
3. Arguing Entrapment
In some cases, the police may have engaged in entrapment. Entrapment occurs when they induce someone to commit a crime that they would not have committed otherwise. If the defense can prove that the police acted improperly, the charges may be dismissed.
4. Pursuing Diversion or Drug Treatment Programs
A defense attorney may be able to negotiate a diversion program or drug treatment program in exchange for dismissing the charges. These programs are often available for first-time offenders or those with substance abuse problems. This can allow the defendant to avoid a conviction if they successfully complete the program.
5. Attacking the Credibility of Witnesses
If the prosecution relies on witness testimony to prove the case, the defense may attempt to undermine the credibility of those witnesses. This could involve demonstrating that the witnesses have a history of lying or bias. The defense will do what it takes to show that their testimony is unreliable for these or other reasons.
Success with any of these legal strategies depends on the specific factors of your case. Such factors include the jurisdiction procedures and the evidence the prosecution has against the defendant. In addition, the criminal defense law firm you choose for your representation makes a considerable difference.
Get a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney in Your Corner
At Walker & Taylor, PLLC, our experienced criminal defense attorneys will work diligently to protect your rights. And, we will do our best to get your drug possession charges dismissed. Contact our top-rated legal team today for a free case evaluation.