What Do I Do After an Arrest for Drug Sales?

What Do I Do After an Arrest for Drug Sales?

Getting arrested is scary, I know. And when it’s for something as serious as drug sales, it can feel overwhelming. But don’t panic! With the right legal help, you can get through this. I’m here to walk you through what to expect after a drug sales arrest, and what you need to do to protect yourself.

Get a Lawyer

The very first thing you need to do is get a lawyer. Don’t try to handle this yourself. Drug charges are complicated, with lots of rules about evidence and procedure. A good criminal defense lawyer knows how to navigate the system and look out for your rights.

When looking for a lawyer, you want someone with experience specifically handling drug cases. This area of law is very specialized. Ask family and friends for recommendations of lawyers they trust. Or search online reviews to find top-rated drug defense attorneys in your area.

Many lawyers offer free consultations, so take advantage of those to find someone you feel comfortable with. Be sure to ask about their experience with drug cases like yours, their fees, and what strategies they’d use to fight the charges. Once you choose a lawyer, they’ll guide you through the next steps.

Get Out of Jail

After an arrest, you’ll be taken to the police station for booking. In most cases for drug sales, you won’t qualify for release on just a citation. The police will hold you until you can appear before a judge and request bail. This first court appearance usually happens within 48 hours.

Your lawyer will argue for your release at this hearing. They’ll suggest alternatives to jail time, like electronic monitoring or regular drug testing. If bail is granted, you’ll need to provide a deposit, often 10% of the bail amount. You get this money back once the case is resolved, as long as you show up for all court dates.

If bail is denied, you’ll be held in jail until trial. Your lawyer can file motions to get another chance at bail, but there’s no guarantee. Prepare yourself and your family that you may need to stay in jail for weeks or months until your case goes to trial.

Get Your Story Straight

Right after an arrest, the police will question you about the drug sales allegations. Don’t say anything without your lawyer present! Even if you’re scared or want to defend yourself, it can only hurt you.

Anything you say can be used against you. So keep quiet and wait for your lawyer. They’ll tell the police you’re invoking your right to remain silent. Once you have a lawyer, you can explain your side of the story. Be 100% truthful with them so they know how to build the best defense.

Your lawyer may recommend you don’t make any statements about the case. Or they may work with you to draft an explanation that puts you in the most favorable light. Either way, don’t talk to anyone but your lawyer about the arrest. The smallest slip-up can ruin your case.

Review the Evidence

The prosecution will share all the evidence against you with your lawyer during a process called discovery. This includes police reports, recordings, photos, videos, financial records, and witness statements.

You and your lawyer will go through everything together. They’ll explain what each piece means and how it helps or hurts the case against you. This evidence will determine what defense strategies are best to pursue.

If anything was obtained illegally, your lawyer can ask the court to suppress that evidence so it can’t be used at trial. This could get the whole case dismissed. But you need to review the evidence thoroughly first.

Consider a Plea Deal

Many drug cases end in plea bargains instead of going to trial. This involves admitting guilt in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence. Your lawyer will discuss whether this makes sense based on the evidence and possible penalties if convicted at trial.

With a plea deal, you give up your right to trial and appeal. But it brings certainty about the outcome. Talk through the pros and cons with your lawyer to decide if it’s the right move. Make sure you understand the final terms before agreeing.

Get Your Finances in Order

Fighting criminal charges takes time and money. Even with a public defender, you’ll have expenses like bail, fines, court fees, drug testing costs, and lost wages from missed work.

Start budgeting and reducing spending where you can. Ask family or friends to contribute to a legal fund. Take out a loan if needed. You may qualify for a public defender if you can prove you’re indigent. Your assets, debts, and monthly bills will determine eligibility.

If convicted, expect even more costs. Fines for drug sales can reach thousands of dollars. Jail time means missing work and falling behind on bills. Get copies of all your financial statements to show your lawyer so they can argue for lower penalties.

Enroll in Rehab

Entering rehab shows the court you’re committed to getting sober and avoiding future drug crimes. Your lawyer can request the judge delay proceedings until after you complete treatment. The district attorney may even agree to dismiss charges once you graduate rehab.

Look into inpatient or outpatient programs that fit your needs and budget. Keep all paperwork and certificates to show your progress. Take drug tests regularly to prove you’ve stayed clean. The more evidence of your rehabilitation, the better.

If you can show the arrest was a wake-up call that spurred you to get help, you may get a lot more sympathy from the judge. It shows you’re taking responsibility and working to improve yourself.

Be Patient

The waiting is one of the hardest parts after an arrest. It takes weeks or months for charges to work through the system. Use this time to follow your lawyer’s advice and get your life in order. Don’t miss court dates or probation meetings.

The legal process is slow, but this gives you a chance to learn from your mistakes and make changes. Look at this as an opportunity for a fresh start once the case is over.

With an experienced drug crimes lawyer guiding you, there are always options and hope, even when things seem bleakest. Take things one step at a time and try to stay positive. This difficult season will pass.

Citations

What Happens When You Are Arrested – FindLaw

Charged With Drug Possession: Understanding Your Rights & Options – Nolo

A Step-By-Step Guide to the Criminal Justice Process – Avvo