The “War on Drugs” is still being waged in the United States. Punishments for minor drug charges can be drastic; and in both state and federal courts, drug cases are often on a “fast track.” If you—or a member of your family—are facing drug charges, you need to be proactive. Take control of your case promptly and contact a qualified, experienced criminal defense attorney to help develop a plan of action.
It’s important to be up-front with your defense attorney. Any criminal history can lead to harsh penalties even in minor cases of possession. Long jail terms for convictions are the rule, not the exception. You may be presented with choices that have serious consequences. Don’t make decisions alone in a crisis. You need thoughtful, reasoned legal advice to face these challenges.
Types of Drug Offenses
Drug offenses may involve:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Misuse of Prescription Drugs (These cases often involve other crimes with charges in state and federal courts.)
You might be charged with possession or sale (“delivery” or “distribution”) of drugs, or both. Penalties increase sharply depending on the amount of drugs involved. Charges can also be complicated by situations that have required add-on penalties. (Was a school nearby? Were minors involved? Is another criminal charge involved?)
State and Federal Courts
Depending on the situation and amount of drugs involved, charges can be brought in state court, federal court, or both. Brian Roberts is experienced in defending cases in both state and federal courts. If you are charged with a federal drug crime, you could face a long prison term. Federal penalties are severe for all kinds of drug charges. “Zero tolerance” remains the order of the day in the federal courts. Your best opportunity to resolve these charges as favorably as possible is to act quickly, which means having an attorney at your side from the start.
Search and Seizure
Search and seizure issues are high drama in TV and movie courtrooms. Real life is usually less dramatic, but search and seizure can be an important factor in a criminal defense. This is especially true if charges follow a traffic stop or search of a home. “Consent to search” and “probable cause to search” are legal terms with specific requirements. Your best option is to hire an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney—even before the arrest, if you know it’s coming.
About Brian Roberts
Before becoming a criminal defense attorney, Brian Roberts was a Special Crimes prosecutor for the Harris County District Attorney’s Office. As a prosecutor, he drafted, reviewed, and consulted with law enforcement on many search and arrest warrants. Having practiced law on “both sides of the fence,” he has the resources and understanding to present a compelling criminal defense. Brian has a long, proven track record as a criminal defense attorney and is experienced in handling both state and federal drug cases. Roberts Criminal Law will work to ensure your rights and interests are fully protected and will forcefully defend you against the charges you face. Contact Roberts Criminal Law at (713) 237-8888 right away to have Brian represent you.