Felony Drug Defense Lawyer
Effective Representation for Serious Drug Charges
Drug offenses are among the most heavily prosecuted at the state and federal levels. If you have been charged with a felony drug crime, the stakes are incredibly high. These charges often carry severe penalties, including significant prison time, hefty fines, and long-term repercussions that can affect your life long after a sentence has been served. At Candice Fields Law, we understand the magnitude of these charges and offer robust, experienced, and effective representation to those facing severe drug offenses.
Aggressive, Skilled Defense Against Drug Charges
Our firm has extensive experience handling a range of drug offenses, including possession, manufacture, distribution, and trafficking of various controlled substances. We represent clients accused of crimes involving marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and other controlled substances.
Our seasoned team of attorneys works tirelessly to build a strong defense, taking into consideration every facet of your case. We scrutinize law enforcement's actions to ensure your rights were not violated during the arrest or search and seizure process. We are not afraid to challenge evidence and will exploit any weaknesses in the prosecution's case to your advantage.
Customized Legal Strategies Tailored to Your Case
We understand that every case is unique. We consider the details surrounding your charges, the specific drug involved, the quantity, your criminal history, and any other relevant factors to develop a customized legal strategy tailored to your case. Our goal is to minimize the impact of the charges on your life, whether that means negotiating a plea deal for reduced charges, arguing for a lighter sentence, or aggressively advocating for you at trial to seek a not-guilty verdict.
Felony Drug Crime Cases We Take
There are several different types of felony drug crimes, each carrying its own potential penalties and legal consequences. Here are some of the most common types:
Felony Drug Possession
Possession of controlled substances in large quantities can be charged as a felony. This often applies to drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, LSD, and illegally obtained prescription medications.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking involves the distribution, sale, transport, or import of illegal drugs. These charges are typically considered more serious than simple possession due to the quantities involved and the potential for profit.
Drug Manufacturing
This crime involves the production of illegal substances. It could include growing large amounts of marijuana, operating a meth lab, or creating other synthetic drugs.
Possession with Intent to Distribute
If law enforcement believes you intended to sell the drugs you possess (often inferred from the quantity, packaging, presence of large amounts of cash, etc.), you could be charged with this crime. It carries more severe penalties than simple possession.
Prescription Drug Crimes
These crimes involve the illegal use, sale, or possession of prescription drugs. This could include doctor shopping (going to multiple doctors to get prescriptions), forging prescriptions, or selling prescription medications.
Drug Conspiracy
A drug conspiracy charge applies when two or more individuals agree to commit a drug crime. Even if the planned crime does not take place, the agreement itself is considered a crime under federal law.
Continuing Criminal Enterprise Crime (CCE)
These are serious charges usually applied to individuals involved in large-scale drug operations. The CCE law targets persons who receive substantial income or resources from a series of violations of the federal controlled substances laws.
Drug Paraphernalia
It is also a crime to possess or sell drug paraphernalia – items used to consume, manufacture, or distribute drugs. Paraphernalia can include items like pipes, bongs, syringes, and scales.
These are just some examples of felony drug crimes. The severity of charges and potential penalties often depend on a variety of factors, including the type of drug, the quantity, the defendant's prior criminal record, and whether minors were involved or targeted.
What To Do If You Are Charged With a Felony Drug Crime
Being charged with a felony drug crime can be a frightening experience, but how you handle the situation can significantly influence the outcome of your case. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some steps to take:
Remain Silent
This is one of the most important rights you have. Do not discuss your case with anyone but your lawyer - that includes law enforcement, friends, and family. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Hire an Experienced Felony Drug Defense Lawyer
A felony drug charge is a serious matter that requires professional legal assistance. Look for an attorney who has experience handling drug crimes specifically. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights, navigate the complex legal system, and formulate a defense strategy.
Document Everything
Try to remember and write down all the details of your arrest - where you were, who was with you, what the officers did and said, etc. These details could be crucial for your defense.
Stay Out of Further Trouble
Avoid further legal trouble. You do not want additional charges while you are already facing a serious charge. This includes avoiding people and places that may get you into further trouble.
Cooperate with Your Attorney
Be honest and open with your attorney about all the facts of your case. They are there to help you, and they can only do that effectively if they have all the information.
Follow Court Orders
If you have been released on bail, ensure that you follow all court orders. This could include requirements like drug testing or restrictions on travel.
Take Care of Yourself
Facing a criminal charge can be stressful. Ensure you are taking care of your mental and physical health during this time. Eat healthily, exercise, get enough sleep, and consider seeking support from a mental health professional if needed.
Remember, being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty or that you will be convicted. There are many possible defenses to drug charges, and an experienced attorney can help explore all your options. The most important step is to seek legal advice immediately.
Why You Need a Felony Drug Crimes Lawyer
Facing a felony drug charge can be overwhelming and frightening, considering the potential penalties and long-term consequences. Here is why you need an experienced felony drug crimes lawyer if you are in this situation:
Understanding of the Law
Drug laws are complex and can vary greatly from one jurisdiction to another. An experienced drug crimes lawyer understands these laws, as well as the procedures for defending against drug charges.
Protection of Your Rights
From the moment of your arrest, numerous legal rights come into play. A knowledgeable attorney can ensure your rights are upheld at every stage of the process, from ensuring the legality of the search and seizure to upholding your right to a fair trial.
Evaluation of Evidence
Skilled attorneys can examine the evidence against you for any weaknesses or illegal actions. They can challenge the admissibility of the evidence, which could potentially lead to a reduction or dismissal of charges.
Negotiation Skills
If appropriate, your attorney can negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. This might involve pleading guilty to a lesser charge, which would result in a lighter sentence than if convicted of the original charge.
Trial Experience
In the event your case goes to trial, you will want an experienced trial lawyer on your side. An attorney with trial experience knows how to present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and convince a jury.
Knowledge of Sentencing Alternatives
Depending on your case, an attorney may be able to negotiate alternatives to jail time, such as rehabilitation programs or community service.
Emotional Support
Facing a drug charge can be emotionally challenging. A lawyer serves not just as your legal representative, but also as a source of support, helping you navigate the system and manage the stress of the situation.
Future Impact
A drug felony conviction can have long-term effects on your life, affecting your employment prospects, housing, and even relationships. An experienced attorney will understand the gravity of these potential consequences and fight to prevent or mitigate them.
In short, hiring a felony drug crimes lawyer can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Their expertise, experience, and advice are invaluable during a challenging and high-stakes time.
Candice Fields: A Respected, Experienced Drug Crime Defense Attorney
Candice Fields is a respected and experienced drug crime defense attorney, with over 20 years of experience representing clients in state and federal courts. Her vast knowledge, strategic approach, and fierce advocacy have earned her a reputation for achieving favorable outcomes even in complex and high-stakes cases. When your future hangs in the balance, you can trust Candice Fields Law to stand up for your rights.
If you or a loved one is facing felony drug charges, do not leave your future to chance. Contact Candice Fields Law today for a consultation and learn how our dedicated team can help you navigate this challenging time.
FAQs
What does a felony drug crime lawyer do?
A felony drug crime lawyer provides legal representation to individuals charged with serious drug offenses. They work to protect their clients' rights, challenge the prosecution's evidence, negotiate plea bargains, prepare the case for trial, represent the client in court, and seek the most favorable outcome possible.
When should I hire a felony drug crime lawyer?
It is essential to hire a felony drug crime lawyer as soon as you become aware of being investigated for a drug crime or immediately after being arrested. Prompt legal counsel can help protect your rights from the outset and can influence the direction of your case.
Can a felony drug crime lawyer guarantee a positive outcome?
While an experienced attorney can significantly increase the chances of a favorable outcome, no attorney can or should guarantee a specific result in a criminal case. Each case is unique, with its own set of facts, evidence, and applicable laws.
How do I choose the right felony drug crime lawyer?
Look for a lawyer with a strong track record in defending drug cases, thorough knowledge of drug laws, excellent negotiation and trial skills, and a solid reputation in the legal community. Client reviews and testimonials can also provide insight into a lawyer's practice.
What if I cannot afford a felony drug crime lawyer?
If you cannot afford a private attorney, you have the right to a court-appointed attorney, often a public defender. However, if resources allow, hiring a private attorney can often offer more personalized attention and potentially more experienced representation.
Can a felony drug crime lawyer help with post-conviction matters?
Yes, in addition to handling the defense process, a felony drug crime lawyer can also assist with post-conviction matters like appeals, expungements, or sentence modifications, depending on your case's specific circumstances.
What is the role of a felony drug crime lawyer if I want to plead guilty?
Even if you plan to plead guilty, a lawyer can be instrumental in ensuring you understand the charges and consequences of your plea. They can also negotiate a plea deal with the prosecutor to potentially reduce your charges or sentence.
How does a felony drug crime lawyer prepare for my case?
Your lawyer will first gather all the details about your case, review the evidence, and identify any procedural errors or potential defenses. They may also conduct their own investigation, consult with experts, and interview witnesses. They will then develop a legal strategy tailored to your unique case.
