If you are facing drug possession charges, you need to focus on standing up for your rights and making sure that your situation doesn’t get any worse. A Bergen County criminal defense lawyer can tell you how to address the cops and respond to requests for searches, which is why calling one should be your first step after getting charged.
What Should I Do If I Get Arrested for Drug Possession?
If you get arrested for drug possession, your first priority should be protecting yourself. No matter what the cops say to you or how you are threatened, you should:
- Stay calm
- Exercise your right to remain silent
- Not consent to searches
- Avoid making written statements
- Request legal representation immediately
The cops might tell you that working with them can benefit you. They just want to clear things up. The cops are not on your side though. They are trying to build a case against you and anything you say can be used against you.
Ask for a lawyer right away and let them do the talking. This is the right thing to do, even if you know you are completely innocent. A lawyer can help you protect your rights and avoid making the situation more precarious.
Can Cops Search My Home If I’m Accused of Drug Possession?
If you have been accused of drug possession, the police may want to search your home or vehicle. Do not give them permission to. Some people make this mistake because they think that they have nothing to hide. There is no good reason to give the police the chance to search your home or car.
Instead, make them get a warrant. This requires them to go to a judge and show that they have good reasons for wanting to perform a search. If the cops do not have a warrant, do not allow them to go forward with a search.
If cops do a search anyway and find evidence against you, your lawyer can work to have that thrown out. Evidence from an illegal search cannot be used. Since this evidence often serves as the backbone of a prosecutor’s case, getting it thrown out could get the entire case dropped.
What Kinds of Penalties Can I Face If Convicted?
The penalties for drug possession largely depend on the type of drug you are accused of possessing and how much of it you have. You could be looking at a few months of jail and a small fine or a years-long prison sentence could be on the table. Your charges could also become more serious if you have a criminal history.
Meet With a Defense Attorney
So if you are being accused of drug possession, don’t just accept what the cops say and assume that there’s no way to fight back. Contact the Law Office of Boyd & Squitieri to schedule a consultation and learn more about what an experienced attorney can do for you.
