When you first started taking drugs, it was because you’d become reliant on prescription pain medications. Over time, you found that they weren’t enough, so you turned to harder drugs.
You were misled to believe that you’d be able to get off those drugs, so you turned to heroin. Now, you’ve been caught in possession, and you need to know what to do to get your life back on track.
Alternative penalties could help you
You likely know that the courts are starting to view drug abuse differently than in the past. There is an understanding that many people would not commit crimes or violate the law if they were not struggling with addiction. There is also an understanding that a first-time offender may benefit from alternative programs, like drug addiction treatment, rather than (or in addition to) a prison sentence.
If you are facing a conviction, your attorney can discuss alternatives with the prosecution and court. If no one else was hurt and you were in possession of only a small amount of the drug, it may be easier to negotiate down the penalties and get you the help that you need.
At the same time, your attorney will make sure that your traffic stop, search and arrest were done legally. If the police violated your rights, then there may be the potential to have the case dropped or evidence withheld in court.
Our website has more on what you should expect if you’re arrested for a drug crime. This arrest could impact your life significantly, so it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and the future you see for yourself.