Drug Possession Arrests – What You Need To Know
The blue and red lights are flashing. The police sirens are blaring. You or your loved one have just been arrested for drug possession. Knowing what happens next and trusting a lawyer to help you can make all the difference in how this story ends. When arrested for drug possession Utah citizens can find help through educating themselves as well as talking to a trusted law firm, such as WallLegalSolutions.com. If you find yourself in this situation, continue reading to learn more about what you need to know.
Not all drugs are considered the same
In Utah, drugs are separated into five different schedules: I, II, III, IV, and V. Schedule I would be the most dangerous drug in the highest quantity. Heroin, for example, is classified as a schedule I drug. It is also interesting and important to note that although it is becoming more mainstream and considered less dangerous, marijuana is classified as a schedule I drug in Utah. Offenses and therefore charges are less severe as the schedule you are charged with goes down. Because of this, it’s important to know what you are charged with and why.
Penalties can vary
From community service to prison time, the penalty for your drug possession has a wide range of possibilities. Other penalties include jail time, fines, probation, drug testing, and drug treatment. You will also be given a criminal record if you are charged, which is something you would have to disclose in certain situations, such as job applications. This can be a big deal, especially if you previously had a clean record. Knowing what the possible consequences are can help prepare you for what might happen.
You can be charged without actually possessing a drug
This doesn’t seem fair, but kind of follows the same logic as the Department of Homeland Security’s “If you see something, say something” campaign. Say, for example, you’re having friends over at your house and your friends bring drugs, but you aren’t actually using or possessing them. If you are aware of these drugs and have the ability to get rid of them, it is considered your duty to do so and if you don’t, you can be charged with what’s called constructive possession. The law on this can be unclear, and this is definitely a case where you want someone on your side to fight for you and your rights.
You can fight your charges
Even if you you were arrested for possessing a schedule V drug and face relatively mild charges, you can still fight them, and a lawyer can help you. There are ways to wear down prosecutors and find weaknesses in your evidence and charges. This work can be time consuming and can take an expert eye to see where there might be cracks in the evidence against you. If you find yourself facing an arrest for drug possession Utah lawyers can help. At Wall Legal Solutions, we offer free 30 minute consultations and we want to fight for you; contact us today.