If the cops pull you over and search your vehicle, they can try and use anything that they find against you. This is how some drivers end up facing drug charges. There are ways to defend yourself though. A Bergen County criminal defense lawyer can help you figure out the most effective strategy.
Can I Go to Jail on Drug Charges?
Yes, jail time is often a possibility when you are facing drug charges. You can also face hefty fines depending on the type of drug you were accused of possessing and how much of that drug you allegedly had on you at the time of the traffic stop. Even a first offense can lead to you being put behind bars, so it’s important to fight these accusations with everything that you’ve got.
How Can I Defend Myself From Drug Charges?
If you get hit with drug charges after a traffic stop, there are a few ways to fight back and create doubt in the case against you. One effective method is questioning the stop itself. Cops need a legal and valid reason to stop you. If they stopped you for no reason, the stop can get thrown out and any evidence gathered during the stop would also be thrown away.
Even when the cops do have a good reason to stop you, they also need authorization to search your vehicle. This means that they need to get a warrant or receive your permission to search. When they do neither of these things, the search is illegal and any evidence found would need to be thrown out. Questioning the traffic stop or the search can be a smart way to defend yourself.
What Should I Try to Avoid When Drug Charges Are on the Table?
When you do get accused of drug crimes after a traffic stop, your first response should be to seek out a lawyer. What you should not do is talk to the police. The cops can tell you that they want to help you and clear up any misunderstanding, but anything that you say can be used against you. Do not talk to the police without a lawyer present.
You also should not accept any deal without consulting an attorney. It may seem like the state has put a good offer on the table, especially if it’s one that lets you avoid jail time, but it’s entirely possible that there is no real case against you. You should not accept a plea when drug charges would be easy to beat.
Contact Our Law Firm
So don’t just face these drug charges lying down. Contact the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri to schedule a consultation with our team. We want to help you find the best way to defend yourself against these accusations.
