Lawrence County Drug Lawyer

In recent times, many states have passed legislation to legalize recreational and medicinal marijuana. However, Alabama is not one of them. Legal drugs are a major part of life for most people, but the state harshly prosecutes individuals who are charged with possessing or distributing illegal drugs.

If you are facing charges for a drug-related offense, you likely need the legal guidance of a Lawrence County drug lawyer with a strong understanding of local drug statutes. A conviction for a drug crime has the power to uproot your entire life, but a dedicated criminal attorney could help you stand up for your rights both in and out of court.

The Criminal Code of Alabama places drugs into schedules, and individuals who allegedly distribute or produce drugs in the lower schedules—such as crystal meth, cocaine, and heroin—typically face the harshest legal penalties.

In Alabama, a skilled Lawrence County drug lawyer may be able to help defendants who face any number of drug-related charges, including but not limited to:

• Simple possession of an illegal substance
• Cultivation or manufacture of illegal drugs
• Drug trafficking
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Distribution of illegal drugs (selling)

The state imposes strict penalties on individuals who allegedly engage in any of the acts listed above, and the state court system even has mandatory sentencing guidelines for some drug offenses. It is important to note, however, that marijuana-related crimes are often not punished as harshly as crimes related to harder drugs.

It is illegal in the state of Alabama to operate a motor vehicle or boat while under the influence of drugs. Individuals who are convicted of such crimes not only face the prospect of jail time, legal fines, probation, or community service, but they may permanently lose their license as well.

A first-time offender may be able to avoid jail time or a permanent license suspension, but a felony conviction can still have a major impact on their life. In general, individuals with prior convictions face stiffer penalties, and they may possibly serve time in jail or lose their right to drive permanently. If someone driving under the influence of drugs injures or kills someone else as a result, they could end up spending years behind bars.

Federal drug offenses tend to be more serious than state charges, and the penalties for conviction are more serious as well. A person could be charged with a federal drug crime if law enforcement officials believe they committed a drug crime in multiple states. For example, if a person allegedly sold drugs in both Alabama and Georgia, they may be charged with a federal drug offense.

The federal government aggressively prosecutes individuals charged with such offenses. On top of that, the federal court system can be difficult to understand, especially since many such cases are handled by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Despite the severity of such charges, it is possible to fight back against federal drug charges with the aid of a seasoned drug lawyer in Lawrence County.

If you are currently facing drug crime charges, it is normal to feel frightened and confused, as well as to have difficulty understanding the full scope of the specific charges you are facing. Fortunately, a Lawrence County drug lawyer could help you make sense of your situation and develop a strategy to pursue a positive resolution for you. Call today to schedule a consultation and get started on your case.