Being charged with possession or distribution of drugs often results in harsh penalties. Depending on your history and the type of drug, even the most minor charge of drug use could leave you vulnerable to time in jail. For other drugs like methamphetamines or ecstasy, the maximum penalty is up to 10 years in prison just for simple possession. For distribution charges, the penalties get even more severe. With consequences this severe, it is imperative for you to hire a defense attorney who knows the best ways to help you try to avoid harsh penalties.
In the hands of the right defense lawyer, controlled substance cases are ripe for motions to dismiss. Many times, drugs are found during a raid for which the police had a search warrant. This means that the police not only had to have a valid search warrant, but they also must have executed the search correctly. Frequently though, the search warrant that the police use is actually insufficient. Even more frequently, the police violate the law or their own procedures when conducting the search. In his time as a prosecutor, KBW Criminal Law’s owner, Kevin, watched many defense attorneys fail to challenge a search that resulted in the police finding drugs – even when the police broke the law. When facing such stiff punishments, it is important for you to hire a defense attorney who not only understands the law surrounding drugs, but one who also recognizes when the police have broken the law too.
Even if the police did not break the law, a good defense attorney knows there are other ways to have cases dismissed. Controlled substance cases are immediate candidates for diversionary programs like .7411 and drug court. To ensure there is no stone unturned in your defense, you need to hire a defense attorney who knows all the diversionary programs and how to maximize your chances of being accepted into those programs. As a multi-year prosecutor, Kevin was literally paid to understand the eligibility for these programs.
If your case is not a strong candidate for a dismissal or diversionary program, it is even more important that you hire a lawyer who understands the intricacies of drug laws. The federal system and the State of Michigan do not treat all drugs the same. Without an attorney that knows the difference, you could find yourself in a poor negotiating position. Kevin has negotiated hundreds of plea deals and has a keen understanding of what the prosecution is looking for in controlled substance cases. If a plea deal can’t be reached, you need an attorney who can question expert drug analyst witnesses at trial and poke holes in their methodology. You need a defense attorney who can challenge the police on whether they properly preserved the drugs in question. If your case results in a trial, Kevin has the background and understanding to push the prosecution to the fullest extent of their burden.
The prospect of going to prison over one night of fun is a terrifying one. Contact KBW Criminal law today to begin fighting for your rights and liberty. With stakes this high, you cannot afford to hire the wrong defense attorney.