Facing drug charges can be a scary experience. While hiring a good criminal defense lawyer will help, you must avoid making mistakes that can cost you big time.
According to one source, 1.16 million Americans are arrested every year for selling, making, or possessing illegal substances. It adds that the tally of arrests between 2019 and 2020 declined by over 400,000 and that drug arrests account for 26% of all arrests across the United States.
But remember that facing charges isn’t the same as being guilty of said charges. You’ll appreciate that distinction if the long arm of the law comes for you and you face drug charges of your own.
So that you don’t make matters worse and complicate things for your criminal defense attorney, here are three things you must steer clear of if facing drug charges.
1. Consenting to a Search
It’s a mistake to agree to a search without a lawyer to protect your rights. If you’re charged with a drug offense and the police request permission to search your car or home, the right answer is to decline. The police will only make such a request to seek evidence needed to secure a conviction in court. There’s no reason to unnecessarily complicate things for yourself.
Ensure you hire a criminal defense attorney before allowing the authorities to search your car, home, or any other property. If you give the go-ahead without a lawyer present, it’ll be difficult for your legal representation to challenge any evidence the police collect during their searches. A lawyer will know when the police can conduct a search and ensure they get a valid warrant.
2. Doing Too Much Talking Before Hiring a Lawyer
One of the worst things you can do is say too much to the authorities before retaining a lawyer. When placed under arrest, you’ll be read your Miranda Rights. That’s when the authorities inform you of your right to remain silent — and that anything you say can be used against you in court. Take the police up on their word by refraining from answering questions about the charges. Your Miranda Rights are a legally protected courtesy of the Fifth Amendment.
You must provide your name when a police officer requests it. So, don’t hesitate to identify yourself and, if you’re driving, show your driver’s license and vehicle registration if asked. But don’t answer any questions or provide any information about the charges without a lawyer. The police know the drill. If you say you want to remain silent and hire a criminal defense attorney before talking to the authorities, the police are obligated to stop interrogating you.
If you agree to an interrogation, it’s best to do so with a lawyer by your side. Your lawyer will know which questions to answer, how much information to provide, and which questions to avoid. Trying to go it alone without a lawyer will make your lawyer’s job more difficult.
3. Failing to Take the Charges Seriously
It’s also a mistake to assume drug charges aren’t that serious. If you don’t treat the charges with the seriousness they deserve, you’re more likely to do or say things that hurt your cause. You could face jail time and fines if convicted of drug charges. There’s also the possibility of reputational harm and job loss, so take drug charges seriously.
You don’t want to make things worse for yourself after drug charges. A good criminal defense lawyer can help you get a good outcome in court. But you’ll make their job harder than it already is if you make any of these three mistakes.