Did you know that over 45% of inmates in the U.S. are doing time for drug-related offenses?
In 1970, that figure was only 16.3%.
Clearly, the drug war has ramped up since the 1970s. The U.S. now has more than 7 times as many prisoners per 100,000 citizens as most other developed countries.
However, some inmates could’ve benefited from an experienced drug crime defense lawyer. If they had hired one, the outcome of many of their cases may have been different.
This article will look at 6 of the most important reasons you should hire a defense attorney for your case. Keep reading to find out why a drug crime defense lawyer can help protect you from the brutalities of the drug war.
1. THEY CAN SAVE YOUR FUTURE JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Finding a good job can be difficult for even the most qualified among us. However, certain factors can make the process even harder.
A criminal record can severely impact your job prospects.
Research shows that a criminal record reduces your odds of landing an interview by more than 50%. This leaves you with less than a 17% chance of going from application to interview.
California law prohibits employers from inquiring about arrests that didn’t lead to convictions. But there are exceptions for certain sensitive job positions. Additionally, employers in California can still ask about crimes that did result in convictions.
If you don’t have any prior drug convictions, you have even more of a reason to hire a drug crime defense lawyer.
This is especially the case if you’re the primary breadwinner for your family. The last thing you need is to jeopardize your future employment opportunities.
2. THEY POSSESS THE EXPERTISE YOU NEED
When it comes to dealing with the law, the more you know, the better. A drug crime defense lawyer is well-versed in dealing with drug cases.
For instance, only someone experienced in drug crimes knows how to properly analyze evidence used to get a warrant. Due to their knowledge, they may even be able to get your case dismissed.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you’re the only one who has your best interests in mind. There are many advantages to getting early representation for your case. The earlier you seek help, the faster you can start the process of getting a favorable outcome.
3. THEY CAN FOCUS ON YOUR CASE
Many court-appointed attorneys are extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to their careers.
That said, most of them don’t have the time or resources to focus on your case as much as you would like.
Some court-appointed attorneys tend to take on a lot more cases than they can handle. The issue with their approach is that they cannot analyze the finer details of your case.
However, each individual case is different, and every piece of evidence is critical.
If you hire a criminal drug crime defense lawyer, you can be certain that your case is their main priority. Most drug defense attorneys only take on as many cases as they can handle. This allows them to spend more time putting together a relentless defense strategy for you.
4. THEY CAN EASE YOUR STRESS
The reality is that a court case is a stressful experience for both you and your family. Much of the stress you feel comes from uncertainty related to the outcome of your case. Without a dependable person in your corner, your stress levels can get out of control.
This is another important reason to hire a drug crime defense lawyer. They can relate to you on an emotional level.
While defense lawyers aren’t therapists, they certainly know how you and your family feel. In fact, emotional intelligence is a key characteristic of a successful lawyer.
A skilled defense lawyer will keep you informed about important court rules. They’ll also explain what you’ll face during the trial without sugarcoating anything. This ensures you don’t feel left in the dark about your situation.
5. THEY PROTECT YOU FROM PROSECUTORS
The vast majority of prosecutors are well-intentioned, lawful individuals. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. In the worst cases, prosecutors attempt to influence witnesses or conceal evidence.
A prosecutor’s job is to act in the best interests of the State. The best interest of the State is to convict people who commit crimes. Obviously, this doesn’t bode well for anyone who gets charged with a crime.
Other issues can come into play as well. In Massachusetts, for example, a chemist recently pleads guilty to tampering with evidence. As a result, Massachusetts prosecutors agreed to dismiss 95% of the 20,000 drug cases she tainted.
A skilled drug crime defense lawyer isn’t afraid to challenge prosecutors. Some defense attorneys even worked as prosecutors at one point. That experience gives them insight into how prosecutors approach drug cases like yours.
6. THEY CAN HELP NEGOTIATE A PLEA BARGAIN
In some cases, the only way to get a reduced sentence is to negotiate a deal with prosecutors. Although it’s not ideal, it may be the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Most drug crime defense lawyers have extensive experience with negotiating. They also have in-depth procedural knowledge. This makes them some of the toughest negotiators on the planet.
You can cut a deal at any time between your arrest and the final verdict.
A prosecutor may agree to the deal because they don’t have enough resources to dedicate to your case. However, you can only guarantee the best results if you recruit a master negotiator to your side.
HIRING A DRUG CRIME DEFENSE LAWYER
The drug war takes its toll on families. If you or your loved one is currently dealing with a drug charge, don’t approach the situation on your own. There are many reasons why hiring an experienced defense attorney is a smart move.
The truth is that you should never take a drug charge lightly. Even crimes like drug possession can lead to incarceration, fines, and other penalties.
If you’re looking for drug crime defense attorney services near Orange County, contact us for a free case evaluation. Our defense lawyers will give you a level of dedication most court-appointed attorneys cannot offer.