What to Expect When Charged with a Lincoln Drug Crime

Facing drug charges is daunting. The government is doing everything they can to secure a conviction. If they are successful, the penalties can include years in prison and heavy fines. Outside of these penalties, a person may then have a permanent criminal record and a hurt reputation.

A well-versed lawyer can further explain what to expect when charged with a Lincoln drug crime. Throughout the process, a proactive drug lawyer can serve as a guide while fiercely advocating for your rights.

What to Expect When Being Charged with a Drug Crime

The prosecuting attorney is responsible for administering drug crime charges. For example, if someone receives a ticket for possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding, whatever the person sees on his or her ticket is not necessarily the charges he or she will face. A prosecutor can choose to increase or lessen the charges.

When charged with a drug-related offense, a person is always going to get charged with the underlying drug, whatever that is. Any additional charges the person will face depends on the circumstances. For example, if a person has a large amount of money on them, they may charge him or her with drug distribution. An attorney can help fight the charges a person is facing.

Short and Long Term Consequences in Nebraska

The short-term consequences for a drug crime include a person’s mugshot being posted in the newspaper and online. Because of this, a person may suffer a loss of reputation and potentially adverse employment actions. The government can also trace a person’s bank account, search their house, and take their property following criminal charges.

Depending on the circumstances, these crimes can also result in long prison sentences and heavy fines. Another long-term consequence is that the criminal conviction will generally be on a person’s record for the rest of his or her life.

If convicted of a felony,  a person is generally unable to possess firearms or vote and may have difficulty getting a job. An attorney can work to fight these allegations from the beginning to help minimize these consequences.

Can Charges be Dropped?

Depending on the circumstances, a drug charge can potentially be dropped right away, but each situation is different. If the police arrest a person and the drug test comes back as a negative or if the person had a prescription, the charges might be dropped. Under certain circumstances, a person may also be able to take some classes and get the charges dropped. This generally depends on his or her criminal record and the charges he or she is facing.

Mistakes from Law Enforcement

Law enforcement officer often mistakenly charge marijuana as a felony. Possessing synthetic CBD or other synthetic marijuana products is a felony. This is a serious mistake because, in Nebraska, if someone is caught with one ounce or less marijuana, he or she faces a maximum penalty of a $300 fine. It is an infraction. If someone is charged with a felony, he or she is facing up to two years in jail, a $1,000 fine, or both.

Other mistakes law enforcement commonly makes are illegal search and seizure and taking statements in violation of their Miranda rights. A lawyer can use these procedural mistakes when building a defense. For example, if an illegal search has been made, the attorney can file a motion to suppress. If the lawyer is able to suppress the search, the case may be dismissed.

Ask an Attorney What to Expect When Charged with a Lincoln Drug Crime

It is important that anyone facing charges contact a lawyer immediately. They police will have a person make statements against their interest that may ultimately result in them pressing charges. An attorney can help you understand what to expect when charged with a Lincoln drug crime and work to fight any charges you are facing. Call today for a confidential case evaluation.