Is Drug Possession A Serious Charge?

February 15, 2022

Is Drug Possession A Serious Charge?

Hand holding a clear bag with pink and yellow pills, under a bright light.

Drug possession is not a uniform offense. Charges related to drug possession range from minor possession to drug manufacturing and trafficking, and more serious drug-related charges can carry long prison sentences. Any drug possession charge has the potential to disrupt the offender’s life. 


Contact the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. right away if you have been arrested for any type of drug-related offense. Reach out to learn more about the criminal defense services we offer and how we can work hard to protect your future while we enforce and defend your constitutional rights. 


Drug Diversion Programs And Drug Court 

The specific charge must be analyzed first, but diversion programs are often available to criminal defendants arrested and charged with drug possession. Some defendants can complete a drug diversion program and have charges dismissed as long as all the requirements are met. 


Other drug offenders may be able to serve a period of time in a drug treatment facility rather than prison or jail. Offenders may be given the option of having a conviction dismissed upon successful completion of the drug treatment program. 


Prior offenses can complicate your case. If you have multiple convictions for drug possession or are currently serving parole or probation, you may find it more difficult to have the charges filed against you dismissed. During plea negotiations or sentencing, your criminal history will be relevant to both the prosecuting attorney and the judge. 


It is important that you retain legal representation when you are facing any drug possession charge, as we can identify all possible options in your case, including diversion programs or plea agreements. We are also ready to defend you in court if necessary.


Drug Possession Is A Serious Charge 

All drug possession charges can result in serious consequences in Alabama. You do not have to possess street drugs like hallucinogens or cocaine to be charged with drug possession. Prescription drugs are included among regulated substances in the State of Alabama, and if you are found with a regulated prescription but have no prescription, then you can face allegations of violating the law. 


An arrest for drug possession does not require that you have actual possession of the drug. If the substance is discovered in a place where you have custody or control of the area, then you can be arrested and charged with drug possession, even if you did not know the drug was present in the area.


For example, an individual can be arrested for drugs a roommate keeps inside the house. You should speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney if you think you are in a position where you could possibly be charged with drug possession, as you want to avoid any arrest or charges related to drug possession whenever possible. 


Contact a Montgomery Criminal Defense Lawyer Today To Schedule A Free Consultation 

Contact the Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr. today to schedule a free consultation about your criminal charges. You need to speak to an experienced criminal defense attorney if you are facing criminal charges related to drug possession, so please call the office at 334-398-8408 to learn more about the legal services we offer.

The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established. These recoveries and testimonials are not an indication of future results. Every case is different, and regardless of what friends, family, or other individuals may say about what a case is worth, each case must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances as they apply to the law. The valuation of a case depends on the facts, the injuries, the jurisdiction, the venue, the witnesses, the parties, and the testimony, among other factors.

 

With offices located in downtown Montgomery, The Law Office of Richard F. Matthews, Jr., serves Montgomery County, Pike County, Elmore County, Autauga County, the River Region of Alabama and throughout the State of Alabama, including Montgomery, Troy, Wetumpka, Prattville, Selma and Tuskegee. No attorney-client relationship is established by requesting a consultation or emailing Attorney Richard F. Matthews, Jr.. Information submitted in such communication is not privileged and may be subject to disclosure. 

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