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Drug charges are serious criminal offenses that could threaten your reputation, livelihood, and freedom. If you have been accused of a crime like this, seek representation from a qualified Beaufort drug lawyer. The criminal defense attorneys at Schiller & Hamilton could aggressively defend you against a conviction like this.
What Constitutes a Drug Crime?
Various charges could lead to a conviction for a drug-related crime. Some of these include:
- Substance possession
- Possession of chemicals to manufacture drugs
- Manufacture or cultivation of controlled substances
- Dealing, delivery, or transportation of narcotics
- Substance distribution, sales, or trafficking
A guilty verdict for any of these offenses could result in high fines and a lengthy jail sentence. A diligent drug attorney with experience in Beaufort criminal courts could fight against the prosecution to protect your rights.
Types of Controlled Substance Charges in Beaufort
These crimes range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the nature of the substance and the amount the defendant is alleged to have possessed or sold. Even a low offense for marijuana possession could lead to a felony charge if the quantity of the substance is high.
Both misdemeanor and felony convictions can lead to loss of housing and employment, as well as leaving a permanent mark on someone’s criminal record. Whether the charge is a misdemeanor or a felony, it is advisable to seek immediate counsel from a practiced defense attorney who focuses on drug cases in Beaufort.
Prescription Medication Crimes
If a medicine is prescribed, it does not mean that someone who wrongfully possesses or sells it is immune from prosecution. Prescription medications can result in criminal charges if they are manufactured, distributed, or delivered in violation of state law. Depending on the circumstances, prescription medications can carry fines and jail terms equal or even greater to those for nonprescription drugs.
Classifications of Illegal Substances
While drugs are often easily identifiable as prescription or nonprescription, the state has a highly complex illegal versus legal classification for them. These classifications factor in the substance’s addictiveness and any legitimate medical use for it.
Cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine are commonly charged drugs. Many lesser-known substances are also illegal, including but not limited to:
- Ecstasy
- Bath salts
- Ketamine
- Hashish
- Opium
- Synthetic marijuana
A person may believe they are not breaking the law because they purchased a drug in a store or online, but that is not always the case. A person involved in an offense like this is well-advised to consult a Beaufort attorney regardless of whether they believe they legally obtained or used the drug.
Defenses to Drug Charges
Depending on the circumstances, there are multiple defenses available to a person facing drug charges. For example, many of these cases arise out of police stopping a person operating a vehicle. After the stop, law enforcement cannot search someone or their vehicle unless they have probable cause under the U.S. constitution. If they do not, a judge could deem the search unlawful and dismiss all related charges.
Additionally, many crimes like this involve first possessing the substance. Certain elements must exist to establish possession under Texas Criminal Code §481.002, such as custody, control, and management of the substance. There are situations where it may be challenging to determine who owned the drugs or if someone even knew there were drugs on them.
A person charged with a crime like this may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time. An illegal substances attorney could diligently assert the possible defenses to avoid a conviction in Beaufort criminal court.
Talk to a Capable Beaufort Drug Attorney Today
Anytime someone is involved in a situation where illegal drugs are found, they could face serious charges, even if they did nothing wrong. If convicted, someone faces substantial fines, incarceration, and a permanent criminal record. If you need to defend yourself against allegations of illegal activity, seek help from a dedicated Beaufort drug lawyer today. Call Schiller & Hamilton now to learn more about your options.