Drug charges – no matter the type – always have serious criminal fines and penalties associated with them. If you have been charged with a drug crime in the State of Alabama, it is essential that you seek experienced legal representation in your case.
A skilled criminal defense lawyer can understand that drug convictions carry serious criminal penalties along with them. A knowledgeable Tuscaloosa drug lawyer can advocate for you throughout your case and may be able to help you obtain a charge reduction or reduced penalty upon conviction.
Categories of Alabama Drug CrimesDrug crimes in the State of Alabama are usually classified into drug possession, drug possession with the intent to distribute, and drug trafficking. Possession refers to when the drugs are either found directly on the defendant’s person or in the defendant’s immediate vicinity (i.e. constructive possession). Possession with the intent to distribute is when the drugs found are of a sufficient quantity to presume that the defendant intended to sell or distribute them to others. This is especially true in cases where drug paraphernalia, such as scales or other drug measuring or packaging devices, are found along with or near the recovered drugs. Drug trafficking refers to when drugs which are found and recovered weigh a certain amount.
Misdemeanor and Felony Drug ChargesDrug crimes in Alabama are classified as either felonies or as misdemeanors, depending upon the classification of the drug, the amount of the drug at issue, and whether the defendant is charged with simple drug possession, drug sale, or drug distribution. All of these factors may also play a role in determining a criminal defendant’s likely sentence upon conviction.
Felony drug crimes are generally punishable by more than one year of incarceration, while misdemeanor drug crimes are generally punishable by up to one year of incarceration, along with hefty fines and other penalties.
Penalties Upon ConvictionThe potential penalties upon conviction of an Alabama drug crime depend largely upon the drug classification, the type and quantity of the drug(s) at issue, the nature and circumstances of the drug charge, and the number of prior drug offenses incurred or convictions sustained by the defendant. The most common Alabama drug crime penalties include the following:
All crimes, including Alabama drug crimes, have potential legal defenses associated with them. A Tuscaloosa drug attorney may be able to assist defendants with formulating successful legal defenses to their drug charges.
Good legal defenses to Alabama drug charges include illegal searches and seizures (i.e. Fourth Amendment violations), improper or illegal traffic stops, improper investigation techniques, improper interrogation techniques (i.e. Fifth Amendment violations), and mistaken identity.
How a Tuscaloosa Drug Attorney Can HelpNo matter the drug involved, a drug crime conviction can have serious – and potentially lifelong – consequences. A drug conviction can make it difficult for you to find and keep a job, go to school, or achieve other personal and professional goals. As such, it is almost always a good idea to have a knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side throughout your case.
You should feel free to contact a Tuscaloosa drug lawyer at any time, and know that you are in good hands.