Criminal defense attorneys help navigate the criminal justice system so that you are treated fairly when arrested or facing criminal investigations. Drugs and other controlled substances cases can be slippery for you without proper representation; you will need the best criminal lawyer to handle the case to obtain favorable results. The steps your defense attorney takes can largely determine how the case goes. When working with a qualified and experienced lawyer, you stand the chance of having the drug case dismissed!
Step 1 – Thoroughly investigate the crime
A good drug defense attorney will take their time to obtain as many details as possible regarding the charges. They can do this by accessing police reports, lab reports, any videos available, and witness statements. The charge should also be scrutinized to verify whether it is a misdemeanor or felony. Your attorney should get a hold of all relevant information and specific elements about the crime you have been charged with.
Step 2 – Analyze all evidence obtained
It is not enough for your attorney to gather information regarding the drug charges you are facing. They should go the extra mile to compare all evidence to determine which legal course is best to take. Criminal defense attorneys take leverage when the prosecution fails to prove beyond reasonable doubt that you are guilty. This is something that can only be done if your lawyer has an eye for detail and understands the law very well. Analyzing the evidence thoroughly helps them identify loopholes that can turn your case around.
Step 3 – Obtain your honest side of the story
After conducting the necessary investigation and analyzing the evidence against you, the next step your drug defense attorney should take is to get your input as far as the charges go. The only way your lawyer can decide which route to take with your case and prepare a winning defense is to get an honest account from you. They should go deep into the facts leading to your arrest and charges and review every piece of information you offer. When people give evidence, they dwell on what they understood when the crime occurred. By clearly explaining what happened, you can turn the case to your advantage. Your role is to be as truthful as you possibly can to help your defense prepare thoroughly. Nothing can be worse for a lawyer than to be caught off guard during court proceedings with details you withheld from them.
Step 4 – Defend you
After gathering all information and putting together a strong defense, your lawyer is ready to go to trial. Defense can take all forms, including illegal police stops, search and seizures, and Miranda rights violations. Criminal defense lawyers can use any legal ground to prove that your rights were violated, even as guilty as you could be. A good lawyer handling your drug case will always know which buttons to push and pursue and which ones to fade out without being obvious.
Step 5 – Push the case as far as possible
Your defense attorney should not give up on the case without giving their very best. You will be surprised by how much a little lack of evidence or an unavailable witness can dramatically affect a case. It is up to your lawyer to take every opportunity during the trial and even consider appealing if the need arises.
If, after everything, you are still found guilty, your stand your ground attorney should use every possible legal way to lower the charge or reduce the sentence. A good lawyer will use all possible means to get you reasonable terms with the charges you are facing.
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