Your top priority after getting arrested for drug possession is to get out of police custody if possible. With this in mind, you should immediately exercise your right to talk to our drug possession attorneys at Eppes & Plumblee, P.A. in Greenville, SC. They will know what steps to take and can guide you through the daunting criminal justice system.
Apart from getting legal counsel early on in your case, there are other things you can do to protect your legal rights and avoid inadvertently ruining your chances of winning your case.
These Steps Can Protect Your Rights and Freedom
The seconds, minutes, and hours after your arrest are crucial. If the police take you into custody, try to stay calm. Don’t try to explain, justify, or talk your way out of the situation. Let the police know as politely as possible that you want to speak to your Greenville, SC, drug possession lawyer, and call them immediately. It doesn’t matter if this is your first offense or if you’ve had past trouble with the law.
Having a lawyer by your side early on can help you avoid costly mistakes and protect your rights from the very start. Past analyses have shown that South Carolina ranks among the states with the highest rates of drug possession arrests per capita, which is why prosecutors take drug crimes very seriously.
Even small amounts of certain illegal drugs can result in significant consequences. For instance, you may be charged with a misdemeanor if you’re caught with less than an ounce of marijuana. You also face potential time in jail and fines. Likewise, if you’re caught with more dangerous substances like cocaine or meth, you can face years in prison and a felony record. But it’s not just about potential fines or jail time. A drug possession conviction can destroy your reputation, derail your career, and limit your opportunities for many years to come.
You Can Benefit from Working with a Skilled Defense Attorney
Facing a drug possession charge can be incredibly frightening, but working with a reputable Greenville, SC, drug possession lawyer can increase your chances of securing your freedom. One of the first things your lawyer will do is look closely at how the police handled your arrest.
Did they search lawfully? Did they have a warrant or probable cause? Did they explain your rights and ensure you understood them? If any part of the arrest violated your constitutional rights, your lawyer may be able to get the evidence the police gathered thrown out or even get your case dismissed.
Your Greenville, SC, drug possession lawyer will also look for opportunities to reduce your charges or avoid jail time. If it’s your first offense, you might qualify for pre-trial intervention (PTI), conditional discharge, or drug court. These options focus on rehabilitation instead of punishment and can help keep your record clean.
If your case goes to trial, your attorney will build a defense tailored to your situation. Whether that means arguing that the drugs weren’t yours, you didn’t know they were there, or challenging how the substances were tested.
Let Our Defense Lawyers Fight for Your Freedom
If you or someone you know has been arrested on drug charges, do not delay. Contact Eppes & Plumblee, P.A. online or at (864) 581-3450 for your consultation with our drug possession attorneys in Greenville, SC.