What Are Possible Defenses to Drug Possession?
Before we explore drug-defense options, let’s understand the basics. In Texas, drug offenses depend on the kind and amount of substance involved, carrying penalties ranging from fines to serious jail sentences. Keep in mind that each case is different, and the effectiveness of drug defense strategies depends on the individual situation.
Dealing with drug possession charges can be tough, making you feel helpless and isolated. It might seem like you’re bound to face punishment because law enforcement is determined. However, there are possible defense strategies against drugs you can use to fight.
Dealing with drug possession charges can be overwhelming, but knowing your rights and possible drug defenses is the first step toward a strong legal plan. In this blog, we’ll explore the 5 best drug defenses, explaining what they mean and how they can be a drug possession defense strategy. We’ll also emphasize the importance of having an experienced criminal drug defense lawyer to guide you through the intricacies of the legal system.
Unlawful Search And Seizure
The Fourth Amendment in the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 9 of the Texas Constitution are like bodyguards for people, making sure searches and seizures are fair. These rules are crucial in criminal law, especially for people dealing with drug possession charges. If law enforcement conducts an unlawful search or seizes your belongings without proper authorization, any evidence they find can’t be used against you in court.
- Let’s say police officers search your car without your permission, and they find drugs. In court, those drugs they found might not be allowed as evidence.
- Additionally, even if the police have a proper warrant, they can’t go beyond what the warrant allows or break its rules. If they do, the evidence they collect might also not be accepted in court.
Unwitting Possession
To prove someone is guilty of drug possession, the prosecution needs to show two things: first, that the person knew they had the drugs, and second, that they had control over them. If the individual was unaware of the narcotics or lacked control over them, it provides an opportunity to contest the accusation of possession.
- For example, if you had marijuana, you might have planned to smoke it without being sure what it was—maybe you thought it was regular tobacco or something legal.
Showing that the defendant didn’t know or have control over the drugs can really change the result of a criminal case. If you were unaware that you were carrying drugs, you can make a case for “innocent possession,” asserting that the drugs did not belong to you and you should not face penalties for possessing them.
Medical Necessity
If you’re charged with having prescription drugs without permission, having a real prescription can help defend you. However, possessing a prescription does not necessarily guarantee that you will not be subjected to charges. There are situations where you could still be charged, like having more of the drug than the prescription allows or using it in a way that doesn’t match the prescription.
During the legal process, how you handle prescription drugs becomes a big deal. The prosecution, judge, and jury will examine various factors to assess the validity of your drug defense.
If charged with prescription fraud, you may face allegations for both fraud and possessing a controlled substance.
Entrapment
We are aware that the drug environment can be hazardous. Sometimes, law enforcement or informants push or convince someone to commit a crime they wouldn’t have done otherwise. This could encompass police coercing, persuading, or deceiving an individual. The defense aims to show the person wouldn’t have committed the crime without police intervention.
- The police can do things wrong in different ways. This includes making up evidence, forcing false confessions, and intimidating people. If evidence is collected by abusing their power, it might be thrown out. In such cases, the entire case could be dropped due to insufficient proof.
Crime Laboratory Analysis
If the drugs were checked in a crime lab, you might question if the lab results are right. Verify results by questioning testing methods, lab worker qualifications, and evidence handling.
A defense may arise if the drugs were lost before testing or court proceedings, casting doubt on the integrity of the evidence. In this case, the officer or the crime lab would have to depend on what the arresting officer said. This information is crucial for them to build a case against you.
Arrested? Don’t Plea, Call Me!
As we wrap up, keep in mind that this blog is not a substitute for legal defense or advice. If you or someone you know is facing drug-related criminal charges in Texas, contact an experienced drug defense attorney. They’ll be your ally in navigating the complex legal terrain and working towards the best possible outcome for your case.
Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember: justice is a journey, not a destination.