Hopewell Drug Attorney
Drug crimes are taken very seriously in Virginia, so seriously, in fact, that police departments devote focus teams to stop the sale, manufacturing, and possession of drugs. Consequently, these charges can lead to long prison sentences and expensive court fines. Moreover, an individual’s constitutional rights can be lost if he or she is convicted and an individual is likely to face negative stigma in the community which, in turn, may result in that individual being labeled an addict or a dealer.
With these things in mind, an experienced Hopewell drug lawyer is necessary for those accused to navigate, investigate, and defend the nuances and constitutional elements that are present in every drug case. An experienced defense attorney can work to investigate evidence that assists the defendant and work to build as strong a defense as possible.
Common Drug Charges
Some common drug crimes in Hopewell are simple possession of marijuana, simple possession of Schedule One and Schedule Two drugs, and possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute. Generally, more serious drugs have lower schedule classifications. For example, possession of a Schedule One or Schedule Two drug, such as cocaine or heroin, is a felony offense, while possessing a Schedule Six drug is considered a misdemeanor.
Regarding marijuana, as it has become more accepted throughout the nation, and decriminalized in DC, people mistakenly believe that consequences are nominal if arrested for charges related to marijuana in Virginia. However, in Virginia marijuana is still illegal and can carry serious penalties making it important a drug attorney in Hopewell is contacted by anyone accused.
Drug Enforcement in Hopewell
Law enforcement officers in Hopewell are trying to crack down on felony possession, possession of Schedule One and Schedule Two drugs, and the distribution and manufacturing of those drugs. In Virginia, prescription drugs and pharmaceuticals are classified as Schedule One or Two drugs. Such substances include Codeine, Methamphetamine, Hydrocodone, and other prescription drugs that, if possessed without a valid prescription or sold without a valid license, are considered felonies and can lead to the loss of constitutional rights and medical licenses.
Hopewell officers use their training and experience to find and identify drug activity. This includes the sale, distribution, manufacture and the simple possession of marijuana or more serious narcotics. Officers use this training and experience to stop, detain, arrest and question individuals. Such actions help officers in securing convictions and pursuing further arrests.
Police officers are taught to notice and recognize potential narcotic criminal activity, and, with experience, they become better at doing so. Officers use informants and, upon making arrests, encourage individuals to give information on other offenders in the area, promising leniency and other incentives in return.
Constitutional Issues
The Fourth Amendment protects citizens of the United States from illegal searches and seizures without probable cause or reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. This protection is an issue that is involved in nearly every drug case. The Fifth Amendment provides individuals with the right to remain silent. It is also a constitutional issue that is present and prevalent in most drug cases. If an individual believes that their constitutional rights may have been violated, it is important to consult with a Hopewell drug lawyer so they can begin investigating and potentially use it as a defense.
Contacting a Hopewell Drug Attorney
As soon as an individual finds out that he or she is being investigated, that individual should contact and hire a drug attorney in Hopewell. If an individual is unaware of an investigation before he or she is arrested, that individual should contact a local attorney as soon as possible after the arrest. An attorney can assist in important pre-trial matters, including bond. He or she will also provide representation during the trial and argue sentencing if necessary.
