Drug Possession and What is Involved for Those Accused

Drug possession is a criminal offense that has serious consequences. The criminal attorneys in Los Angeles are used to managing such cases. The drug possession process can be complicated, but it is often worth understanding what you are up against to better prepare yourself for the case. In this article, we will discuss drug possession and how to handle drug charges if they happen to you.

What is Drug Possession?

Drug possession is the criminal offense of having a controlled substance in one's possession. Depending on the drug, quantity, and jurisdiction, drug possession can be charged as a misdemeanour or felony. 

Punishments for Drug Possession

The consequences of drug possession can range from a reprimand to years in prison. In some cases, these types of charges can be dismissed or reduced if the accused completes a drug treatment program. It is important to speak with an experienced criminal defence attorney to understand what you are up against and what the best course of action is for your specific case.

How to Handle Drug Charges

If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced criminal defence attorney will be able to guide you through the process and protect your rights. Do not hesitate to reach out for help if you have been charged with drug possession. Drug possession can be a serious offence with life-altering consequences, but with the help of a qualified attorney, you can fight the charges and protect your future.

We should be aware at this point that being charged with drug possession is a far lesser charge than being accused of dealing in drugs or trafficking them. This would be far more serious because of how drugs harm lives. This can so often be the case, however, when those addicted to drugs end up dealing to fund their habit. They can end up reliant on a drugs supply and find themselves doing favours for drug dealers in exchange. This should be avoided at all costs as it can be something difficult to get out of, and it carries a long jail sentence.

If you have been charged with possession, then let that be an end to it. Take your punishment and move on. Start a course to get over your addiction if that is still a problem. Avoid experimenting with any kind of non-prescription drug in the future.

Thresholds

There is a threshold on the number of drugs that you can carry that would constitute just possession as opposed to dealing. It is for a lawyer to prove that you were only intending to use the drugs yourself and not supplying or selling them to others. Evidence of this might be phone records or sightings on camera of packet exchanges. The number of drugs found on you, in your car, or inside your home, will be the biggest indicator of your intentions.

It is a comfort to know that a criminal defence lawyer can help you to explain why you were carrying those drugs. They have to prove in front of a court that there was no reason other than recreation. Mitigating circumstances might be that you were having trouble coping with life and the drugs made you feel better. Mental health might, for instance, be taken into account. Then medical evidence would be required.

A combined effort between the defence lawyer and their client will always produce the best results. It is a case of gathering evidence that perhaps only a client will know about and then the lawyer making the best of it. They know what a court will accept and how much difference that evidence will make. Avoid thinking twice when it comes to legal representation, as they are your ally when you are accused of drug possession.

*Collaborative Post