Mooresville Drug Crime Lawyer

Mooresville Drug Crime Attorney

Some of the most terrifying legal consequences to face are for drug crimes. Because of the potential impact these crimes can have on victims, such as severe injury or death, the law implements strict punishments for anyone found possessing or distributing illegal substances. However, being accused of a drug crime does not mean a guilty verdict is inevitable. A Mooresville drug crime lawyer can help combat any misguided claims to protect your rights.

At Lassiter & Lassiter Attorneys at Law, we are well-versed in the drug laws that guide allegations like these. Facing these allegations can be upsetting, leaving those accused unsure of where to turn. If this is true for you, we can step in to serve as your key legal resource. Allow us to take on the bulk of the legal responsibilities so you can focus on personal matters. Together, we can construct a solid defense strategy to help your case.

Potential Strategies to Defend Against Drug Crime Accusations

When someone is accused of engaging in a drug crime, they should work with an attorney to determine what defense strategy will give them the greatest chance of fighting the allegations. To figure out a good strategy, you will need to hire a Mooresville criminal defense attorney to investigate the details of your case. Some of the more commonly used defense strategies in drug crime cases include:

Unlawful Search and Seizure

A defense attorney might suggest that law enforcement engaged in an illegal search and seizure. Before an officer is able to search someone’s property, they must secure a search warrant. Without a warrant, any evidence that is collected during their search can be deemed inadmissible in court. This can break down the prosecution’s entire case, especially if the drugs confiscated were part of that search.

Lack of Possession or Knowledge

Sometimes, an individual accused of a drug crime was not aware they were in possession of the drugs. Someone they know who also had access to their home could have left illegal substances behind without their knowledge. In these situations, a defense attorney can argue that it would be unfair for their client to be penalized when they were genuinely unaware that the substances were present.

Chain of Custody Errors

It’s important for law enforcement to maintain a proper chain of custody when they are investigating and charging an individual with a drug crime. There are certain procedures and processes in place to ensure evidence is collected and passed on properly so as not to disrupt the integrity of the case. If a defense attorney is able to spot any discrepancies in the chain of custody, they can highlight this in court to get charges reduced or dismissed entirely.

Entrapment

It is illegal for law enforcement to set up any scenario where someone is tempted to engage in a drug crime they would not otherwise commit. For example, if a defense attorney is able to prove an officer was pestering their client to sell drugs after the request was denied several times, this could be seen as a form of entrapment. As such, the court could then hold law enforcement accountable for their abuse of power.

While this is not a complete list of possible defense strategies in drug crime cases, these are some of the most common defenses. Be sure to hire a defense attorney as soon as possible to explore how the circumstances of your case may align with one or more defense strategies.

FAQs

How Much Does a Drug Crime Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

There are many factors that determine the final cost for a drug crime lawyer in North Carolina. Some of the most common factors include how long a case may take to resolve and how many years of experience the attorney you hire has. While it can be frustrating to see the legal cost increasing during the course of your case, it’s important to remember how legal representation can benefit you and your case.

Which Class of Drugs Are Considered Felonies in North Carolina?

Drugs in North Carolina are classified into Schedule I through Schedule VI. The most dangerous drugs are found in Schedule I, which includes substances such as heroin, LSD, and methamphetamine. Due to the power these drugs have to cause very negative repercussions, such as severe injury and death, anyone found in possession of or distributing these drugs can be charged with a felony in North Carolina.

Can a First-time Drug Offense Be Dismissed in North Carolina?

Yes, there is the possibility that someone being charged with a drug crime in North Carolina for the first time can have the charges dismissed. The likelihood of this happening will depend on many factors in the case, such as the amount of drugs found in the individual’s possession and what their intent was. Depending on these factors, the court may dismiss the charges entirely or sentence the offender to drug education classes or community service as a sufficient punishment.

What Happens During a Drug Crime Investigation?

Before a drug crime can be investigated, law enforcement needs to establish probable cause for believing a crime may have been committed. They may try to collect initial evidence through surveillance footage or witness testimonies to establish this probable cause and get the green light to continue investigating. If they are able to receive a search warrant, officers may check the accused’s home, vehicle, and other pieces of property in an attempt to find more evidence.

Contact Lassiter & Lassiter Attorneys at Law Today

If you have recently been accused of committing a drug crime in Mooresville and are not sure what steps to take next, connect with the drug crime lawyers at Lassiter & Lassiter Attorneys at Law. We have spent years defending clients against these tough charges and would be honored to do the same for you. Contact us now to introduce us to your case and discover the most suitable next steps for you. Our legal team will do everything in our power to fight for you.