Florence Drug Crimes Lawyer

Florence Drug Crimes Attorney

Being accused of a drug crime can be devastating, and it’s easy to feel scared and overwhelmed about your future after being charged. That’s why it’s important to work with a Florence, AL drug crimes lawyer to receive targeted advice about your situation. They can work with you to either reduce your charges or maybe have them dismissed entirely. A lawyer can be a valuable ally to have on your side during a drug crime case.

Here Every Step of the Way

It’s our goal at The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, to provide professional representation for our clients. We are dedicated to effective communication and helping our clients present themselves well both in and out of court. Our office is located in Florence, Alabama, but we have experience representing individuals in both Alabama and Tennessee.

What Are Drug Crimes?

There are a variety of types of drug crimes, each with different penalties. Most drug crimes are felony offenses, but depending on the specific drug and the context of the situation, certain crimes might be misdemeanors. Drug crimes include things like:

• Possession: Even being in possession of most drugs can result in a felony in Alabama. The only exceptions are limited amounts of Schedule V drugs, which are not considered as dangerous as other types. If someone has large amounts of certain drugs, the court might even determine that this indicates they were intending to sell them, leading to increased charges.
• Distribution: If someone is trying to sell or distribute drugs, they can be charged with drug distribution. These charges can be heightened if it can be proven that you tried to sell them to someone under 18 or close to a school or college.
• Manufacturing: There are two different types of charges for manufacturing drugs: first-degree and second-degree. If manufacturing drugs involved minors, weapons, or drug labs that were close to other buildings, like houses or businesses, first-degree charges are assigned. Less serious charges are usually second-degree, including actions like growing marijuana plants.
• Trafficking: These types of charges typically involve a larger amount of drugs than distribution charges and come with larger sentences. The specific amount found in order for trafficking to be charged depends on the type of drug.

Alabama has strict and severe penalties for drug crimes, regardless of the specific crime committed. With minimum mandatory sentencing requirements, certain penalties are necessary if you are convicted of specific charges.

Do I Need an Attorney if I’ve Been Charged with a Drug Crime?

One of the most important things to do when being accused of a drug crime is to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can help with many different aspects of a drug crime case, including:

• Gathering evidence to prove that you were a victim of police misconduct or that you didn’t know about the drugs you allegedly possessed, distributed, or trafficked
• Finding errors or weak spots in the prosecution’s case to lessen the probability that they can prove your charges beyond a reasonable doubt
• Informing you of appropriate options for your case, including settling out of court, a trial, or completing a rehabilitation course to avoid jail time
• Helping you speak to police officers and other individuals surrounding your case so that you properly represent yourself

Working with a criminal defense attorney with experience in drug crimes can help you fight for your rights before and during a trial. They might even be able to help with an appeal if that is necessary for your case.

FAQs

Q: Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in Alabama?

A: If a first-time drug offender was charged with possession of marijuana or another controlled substance, they could go to jail in Florence, Alabama. In many cases, a judge might not sentence someone to prison time if they are a first-time offender. There are also rehabilitation programs offered in most jurisdictions. Successful completion of these programs, which vary based on the area, could result in not being convicted of a first-time drug charge.

Q: How Do You Beat a Possession Charge in Alabama?

A: To beat a possession charge in Alabama, there are several defense strategies that attorneys can use, depending on the exact circumstances of the case. For example, an attorney can claim that you did not know that a certain drug was in your possession. It might also be possible to have charges dismissed if a search or traffic stop was conducted illegally. For more information on specific defense strategies for your case, contact a Florence drug crimes lawyer.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Trafficking in Alabama?

A: In Alabama, the mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking could be as much as a life sentence, depending on the type of drug involved and how much was possessed. In some cases, offenders could be given sentences that require them to serve a portion of those years in prison. Because these charges are associated with amounts rather than intention, certain individuals might be assigned trafficking charges even if they did not intend to sell drugs.

Q: Is Possession of Drugs a Felony in Alabama?

A: In most cases, possessing drugs in Alabama results in felony charges. If the drug is marijuana and the amount possessed is under a certain amount, the charges are usually a misdemeanor. Misdemeanors for drug possession can also be charged if drug paraphernalia to use or administer drugs is found. In some cases, first-time offenders might be able to avoid jail time by completing rehabilitation courses.

Avoid Excessive Penalties in Drug Crime Cases

A drug crime can have serious repercussions on your life and your criminal record. It can also impact the time you can spend with family, friends, and loved ones. That’s why it’s so important to talk to a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible when charged with a drug crime. If you or a loved one has been recently accused of a drug crime, schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Brad Phillips, LLC, today to learn more about your options.