How Can a Dallas Drug Crime Lawyer Defend Drug Charges?

How Can a Dallas Drug Crime Lawyer Defend Drug Charges?

Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably looking for help dealing with some drug charges. I totally get it – this stuff is scary. But don’t worry, a good Dallas drug crime lawyer can help you navigate the system and get the best possible outcome for your situation. I’m going to walk you through some of the most common defenses we use to fight drug charges and protect our clients.

Challenging the Stop or Search

A lot of drug charges start with a traffic stop or someone getting searched. We look closely at the reasons the police stopped or searched you in the first place. Was there reasonable suspicion for the stop, or probable cause for a search? If not, any evidence found may be excluded and the case dismissed. This is a very common defense we use successfully.

Questioning the Chain of Custody

Any evidence collected has to be carefully handled per procedures, with documentation on who had it, when it was collected, where it was stored, etc. If the chain of custody was broken at any point, it raises doubts about the integrity of the evidence. We dig into the records to find any issues with the chain that could get evidence thrown out.

Attacking the Lab Results

The crime lab results confirming that a substance is illegal are often a key part of the prosecution’s case. But we scrutinize the lab’s methods, procedures, and qualifications closely. Were proper protocols followed? Is there any room for errors or false positives? Undermining the lab results can destroy the prosecution’s case.

Questioning Witness Credibility

For charges involving distribution, deals, etc. there are often witnesses making accusations. We dig into the background, motivations and consistency of witness statements. Showing they are unreliable because of bias, inconsistencies or character issues can hurt the prosecution.

Proving Lack of Knowledge

For possession charges, one defense is that you didn’t actually know the substance was illegal. Maybe someone left something in your car or house without your knowledge. While tough to prove, it is possible in some cases to show you were unaware of what you possessed.

Highlighting Improper Police Conduct

Sometimes police misconduct contributes to charges being brought. Things like illegal profiling, entrapment, mishandling of evidence or sensationalizing charges to media unfairly bias the case. We expose this misconduct to show the charges are unfounded.

Getting Evidence Thrown Out

Illegal searches that violate the 4th Amendment happen more often than you think. If the police searched you, your car or home without proper cause and procedure, we can often get any evidence collected thrown out. This frequently leads to charges being dropped.

Leveraging Your Lack of Criminal History

For minor possession charges, a lot depends on your criminal history. First-time offenders often get very favorable plea deals or even avoid charges completely by showing the possession was a one-time mistake.

Using Diversion Programs

Texas has diversion programs that can provide treatment and counseling instead of jail time for minor first-time drug possession charges. These programs allow charges to eventually be dismissed after completion. They are a great option in many cases.

Negotiating Plea Deals

Rather than outright beat the charges at trial, we often negotiate very favorable plea deals that minimize penalties. We leverage the weaknesses of the prosecution’s case to get charges reduced or sentences lowered significantly compared to the initial charges.

There are many other defenses we commonly use as well. The key is thoroughly investigating the circumstances of your case and finding where the prosecution’s case is weak or flawed. With an experienced Dallas drug crime lawyer on your side, you can rest assured we will dig deep to build the strongest defense for your unique situation.

I know these charges have you stressed out. But our firm has helped hundreds of people in your shoes, and we can help you too. Don’t go through this alone – give us a call for a free consultation and let us start working to protect your future. We’re in this together!