Criminal Offense Lawyer for Drug Crimes
If you have been charged with a drug crime, you should think about hiring a drug lawyer Dekalb County GA clients trust like The Lynch Law Group. Guided by a vast knowledge of the legal system and years of experience in handling drug-related cases, the law firm of The Lynch Law Group P.C. has built a sound reputation throughout the Dekalb County area and is well known for the ability to secure a favorable outcome for clients, regardless of the evidence stacked against them.
Realistically, you should not waste anymore time in thinking about whether or not to hire a drug lawyer Dekalb County GA locals rely on. Call (404) 373-7735 now!
Introduction to Drug Crimes
Drug crimes are some of the most common offenses in today’s society. These crimes can be tried by the state or federal government and as a felony or misdemeanor, depending on various circumstances.
There are four standard types of drug-related crimes. These are:
- Possession of a drug;
- Manufacturing of a drug;
- Transportation or distribution of a drug; and
- Selling of a drug.
Many offenses involve a combination of two or more drug-related crimes; for example, possession with the intent to sell. The most common drugs included in drug offenses include:
- Marijuana
- Cocaine
- Crack
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
- Prescription medications
Other drugs that may be prosecutable under state and federal laws include LSD, ecstasy, and bath salts.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Drug Crimes
Depending on the drug and offense committed, a drug crime can be a felony or misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is considered to be a lesser crime and typically carries penalties like fines, short jail sentences, probation, and community service. A felony is generally much more serious and might include penalties like heavy fines and long-term prison sentences.
In most cases, a first-time offender of possession will be charged with a misdemeanor, but this will be dependent upon the factors of your situation. Generally, when a case involves a large amount of drugs, or allegations of selling are involved, there is a greater chance that felony charges will be a factor. As a drug lawyer Dekalb County GA families depend on can explain, this could also expose you to a jail or prison sentence.
Why Hire a Top Drug Lawyer Dekalb County GA Residents Recommend
The best way to have your case dismissed is to hire a drug lawyer in Dekalb County GA. Although nothing is guaranteed, a lawyer will know how to challenge various elements that may be present in your case. The benefits of hiring a lawyer include:
- Helping you to negotiate a deal;
- Determining a good sentencing program (i.e. reduction in jail time, with added rehab);
- Give you a realistic, honest opinion of the situation and outcome;
- Offer insight as to how a trial might go;
- Point out relevant legal rules or regulations you might not know about;
- Determine whether or not your rights were violated;
- Navigate your case through the legal system;
- Explain the “costs” that might come along with a guilty plea;
- Be able to gather evidence, witness statements, other other things that may be useful to your defense;
- Hire investigators the can investigate your case and the witnesses called upon by the prosecutor; and
- Hire expert witnesses that may be able to show your innocence or rebut evidence.
The Lynch Law Group P.C. Is On Your Side
It is not recommended that you pursue your drug crimes without a good Dekalb County GA drug lawyer on your side. If you would like to learn more about what options might be available for your case, please call (404) 373-7735 to speak with a drug lawyer Dekalb County GA provides from The Lynch Law Group P.C.
What Is a Marijuana DUI/DWI?
DUI is a criminal law term that stands for “driving under the influence.” DWI is a criminal law term that stands for “driving while impaired.” While some states use these terms interchangeably, others use one when referring to drunk driving and one when referring to so-called “drugged driving.” Your state may use either DUI or DWI to refer to the act of driving while affected by the use of marijuana.
Driving while under the influence of marijuana is generally considered a reckless driving charge and is often treated in the same ways that alcohol impairment cases are. This is to say that if you have been charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, you will want to speak with an experienced Dekalb County, GA drug lawyer right away. The consequences associated with a drugged driving conviction are very similar to consequences associated with a drunk driving conviction and should not be taken lightly. An experienced Dekalb County, GA drug lawyer can help you navigate your legal situation while crafting a strong legal strategy and advocating on your behalf.
Understanding Marijuana-Related DUI Charges
It is important to understand that even if you are a medical marijuana patient or you have been using marijuana legally for recreational purposes that you may be charged with a marijuana DUI or marijuana DWI. How is this possible? Think of it this way. It is legal for adults who have reached the age of 21 to imbibe alcohol. However, it is illegal for adults to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 percent or above. The logic behind this restriction holds that while it is legal to drink alcohol, it is not legal to endanger others due to a level of alcohol in your blood that could compromise your driving judgment. Similarly, it is legal to text, but it is not legal to text and drive because doing so endangers others around you. Even if you have been using marijuana legally, if there is enough marijuana in your bloodstream to impair your judgment, you could be held accountable for endangering others on the road. If you have been using marijuana illegally, you may be held accountable regardless of the amount of marijuana found in your bloodstream. Either way, it is important to seek the counsel of an experienced Dekalb County, GA drug lawyer as soon as you have been charged.
Questions to Ask a Drug Lawyer
How Long Have You Handled Drug Cases?
While a drug lawyer who is just starting out may be perfectly capable of handling cases, it’s always best to hire a drug lawyer in Dekalb County, GA with at least several years of experience. Being charged with a drug crime is a serious matter, so you want someone very knowledgeable and experienced on your side. A seasoned drug lawyer will know what to expect from prosecutors and how to best defend your case.
How Many Jury Trials Have You Tried?
The majority of drug cases get settled out of court. However, you still want to work with a drug lawyer in Dekalb County, GA with a lot of experience with trials. Prosecutors tend to make plea bargains based on the result they think they will get if they take the case to trial. If the prosecutor knows the defense lawyer doesn’t have a lot of trial experience, he or she may be less likely to reduce the charge.
Have You Ever Been a Prosecuting Attorney?
It’s beneficial to hire a drug lawyer who has worked as a prosecutor in the past. If your lawyer has prosecuting experience, he or she will know exactly the types of attacks to expect from the prosecuting attorney. He or she will also have more trial experience.
How Often Will We Communicate?
When you’re facing drug charges and the possibility of going to jail, you need a drug lawyer in Dekalb County, GA who is always available to answer your questions. Consider how often you would like to hear from your lawyer and use that as a tool when consulting with a lawyer for the first time.
What Is Likely to Happen If I Am Found Guilty?
Many lawyers will tell people what they want to hear to get them as clients. However, when you’re facing drug charges, it’s important for you to hear the truth and know what you’re truly up against. He or she should give you direct answers about the types of penalties you might face. If the lawyer is overly positive about the outcome, he or she might not be right for you.
What Are Your Fees?
Before you hire a drug lawyer in Dekalb County, GA, it’s important to inquire about fees. Some lawyers charge flat fees while others may want you to provide a retainer upfront. If you’re unsure if you can afford all the fees up front, ask the lawyer if he or she offers payment plans.
What Are My Obligations?
A drug lawyer in Dekalb County, GA may expect certain things from you, so it’s important to ask what your obligations are. For example, your lawyer may ask you if you have previous drug convictions or outstanding warrants. It’s important for your lawyer to have this information to defend you.
Legal Guidance Is Available
If you have been charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of marijuana, do not wait to contact an experienced Dekalb County, Georgia drug lawyer. The longer you wait to seek legal guidance, the more your eventual criminal defense could become compromised by a variety of factors. By seeking legal support as soon as you possibly can, you will place yourself in the best possible position to preserve your criminal defense options and to give your attorney time to successfully advocate on your behalf. The Lynch Law Group – Attorney at Law works with individuals facing charges just like these on a regular basis and our legal team has been successfully advocating for our clients for many years. We would be happy to provide guidance for you as you navigate this situation. We look forward to speaking with you.
