Facing drug paraphernalia charges can be upsetting and scary for some people. Your personal freedom may be in jeopardy and you also may be responsible for certain financial obligations. For example,
- How much could a court penalty cost?
- Will you have to pay for testing or other unexpected expenses?
- Do you need a criminal defense lawyer to represent you?
- How much will a drug paraphernalia lawyer charge to take your case?
It’s crucial to understand how valuable a skilled drug paraphernalia lawyer can be. The best way to protect your legal rights is to work with an experienced lawyer from the start.
Isn’t a Drug Charge Lawyer Expensive?
Of course, reliable legal advice and criminal defense may come with some cost as losing a drug paraphernalia case can lead to a criminal record and life-long implications.
How Much Do Lawyers Charge For Drug Cases?
Investing in a qualified drug paraphernalia charge attorney could mean the difference between a conviction or a dismissal.
However, hiring the most expensive criminal defense lawyer doesn’t guarantee the best outcome either. Many factors will play a role in the outcome and cost of your drug case, including:
- Other crime(s) you are charged with
- The complexity of your case
- Potential defenses
- The county where your case is pending
- Your lawyer’s experience
You should expect a seasoned and highly skilled drug defense lawyer to charge more per hour to defend you. However, their experience could mean they can resolve your case more quickly with a more favorable outcome than a less expensive and less experienced lawyer.
How Do Drug Charge Lawyers Charge For Their Services?
Depending on your unique situation, you may be asked to pay a retainer fee when your lawyer accepts your case, or an hourly rate, or both. If you pay a lump sum retainer, your lawyer will hold the retainer amount in the law firm’s trust account during your pending case.
Your lawyer will keep track of the time they devote to your case and draw from the retainer as they work on your case. If your retainer is used up before the end of your case, you may need to pay an additional retainer amount, or your attorney may charge by the hour from that point forward.
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What is the Definition of a Drug Paraphernalia Charge?
Nebraska Revised Statute § 28-441 defines drug paraphernalia as any item that could be used to “manufacture, inject, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body” an illegal substance
What Are the Possible Penalties For a Drug Paraphernalia Charge?
Nebraska law prohibits the use or possession drug paraphernalia. A conviction of the crime of using or possessing drug paraphernalia is an Infraction and only punishable by a $100 fine.
While simply possessing drug paraphernalia might seem like a minor charge, depending on the circumstances, it could lead to drug trafficking or drug possession charges that include severe penalties.
Possible Drug Paraphernalia Defenses Your Drug Charge Lawyer Might Raise
A skilled drug paraphernalia charge attorney will review the unique circumstances that surround your charge to determine the best possible defenses to raise in your situation. Potential drug paraphernalia defenses might include:
The paraphernalia was not yours
In many situations, the identity of the person who actually possessed the paraphernalia can be questionable. For example, if you were in a friend’s car with several people or at a party at someone else’s home and paraphernalia is found, it may be difficult for the prosecution to identify who was in possession. It is the prosecutor’s burden to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the paraphernalia was yours.
The paraphernalia was obtained during an illegal search and seizure
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of all people to be free from unreasonable search and seizure. A knowledgeable drug crime attorney will dissect every step of the police activity leading up to your charge to see if any procedures were against the law. If the search or seizure was illegal, any evidence obtained is not admissible in court, and your charges could be dropped.
You may have other available defenses that only a well-trained drug paraphernalia attorney will understand. This is one of the most important reasons why you should work with an experienced attorney to protect your rights.
To Learn More About How Much a Drug Paraphernalia Defense Lawyer May Cost, Reach Out to Berry Law Today
When you are facing criminal drug charges, you need a dedicated lawyer in your corner, fighting for your rights. The criminal defense lawyers at Berry Law are ready to go to battle for you. Reach out today to better understand how we handle drug charge defense cases and what we can do for you.
Call (402) 466-8444 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation as soon as possible.
