Whether or not the possession of drugs is for personal use or the intent to sell, drug possession is a serious offense.  Regardless of the consequences, this continues to be a growing epidemic.  In fact, people are desperate and unable to locate employment.  They lack the education and/or skills to land that perfectly paying job.  Moreover, they become tired of the everyday pressures of life.  As a result, they seek what they feel may be an easy solution to their numerous problems…the possession of illegal substances…marijuana…heroin…cocaine, etc.  Despite the personal problems that drug users or drug sellers may possess, law enforcers must hold them accountable.  If truth be told, those convicted of drug possession can face up to 20 years in prison and pay a fine of at least $10,000.  However, there are many defenses, and a criminal defense attorney can determine which defenses may actually apply to your case. 

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

                                                Ephesians 4:32

 

Do criminal attorneys condone the use of illegal substances?  Of course not, criminal defense attorneys are hired to uphold the law.  Nevertheless, these attorneys realize that many people use drugs to mask emotions.  Particularly, life has become unbearable; therefore, individuals turn to drugs to help them to temporarily forget about the problems that they are enduring.  Others sell the drugs because they feel that they have no other options.  Specifically, teenagers may begin selling narcotics because both parents are imprisoned, and the grandparents that are responsible for raising them can barely make ends meet with their limited income.  Eventually, these teenagers become adults, but they are unable to find decent work because they missed too many days of school while selling illegal substances as teenagers, dropped out of school, and now lack essential knowledge, skills, and required qualifications to receive a job that pays enough to sufficiently support them and their family members.  Consider the following case:

A young teenage boy (we will call him Trenton for legal purposes) was abandoned by his father.  Actually, the father was never there for Trenton or his younger brother, Calvin.  Instead, he only visited the mother when he wanted his own needs fulfilled.  The father was a well known gang member and drug dealer.  The mother, on the other hand, was an alcoholic.  Life had whipped her repeatedly, and she no longer had the strength to fight back…She worked a minimum wage job, but this was not enough to care for two teenage boys, and their father was not the least bit concerned.  Trenton would go to school and wear the same clothes.  As a result, other students teased him.  Naturally, the teasing hurt and embarrassed Trenton.  Therefore, he would put his head on the desks, ignore the teachers, and refuse to complete his assignments.  Eventually, this led to him failing the ninth grade. 

The following year, Trenton decided to take matters in his own hands.  He was tired of watching his mother smother herself with alcohol because she did not have the strength to deal with the everyday stresses of life.  Moreover, he was tired of students at school teasing him because he could not afford decent clothes and shoes.  Consequently, Trenton followed in the footsteps of his father and many other individuals that are tired of living in poverty.  Trenton began to sell illegal substances.  In time, Trenton became an expert at selling the drugs.  He made enough money that he was able to put food on the table, pay his mother’s bills, and buy nice clothes for him and his brother.  In fact, Trenton became so good at selling the narcotics and making money that he felt as if he did not have a need for school.  Therefore, he stopped attending.  Of course, he was arrested for truancy and began attending school, again.  However, he never completed an assignment or exam, which resulted in him failing repeatedly.  Eventually, Trenton was old enough to drop out of school and return to the “drug life” full-time. 

Life appeared good for Trenton and his family, financially, until rival drug dealers decided to retaliate against Trenton.  The drug dealers shot Trenton repeatedly, partially disabling him.  Now, Trenton was a grown man, and the disability received from the treacherous shooting prevented him from selling drugs.  He was constantly in pain, but the legal prescriptions that he received from the doctors did not stop the pain.  According to Trenton, there was only one solution…only one thing that would erase the horrific pain…Instead of selling drugs, he began using the drugs. 

He became an avid user of heroin and other drugs.  One night, Trenton was in extreme pain and decided to go to his favorite spot to receive some relief.  To his dismay, law enforcers raided the place and arrested everyone, including Trenton.  Now, he has been charged of drug possession and faces years in prison if convicted.  He was a young boy who received a rotten break; attempted to take matters in his own hands; chose the “drug game”; and now, he is condemned by many.  From the beginning, the odds were against him. 

For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

                                                Matthew 6:14-15

 

Drug offenses can be charged under State and/or Federal law.  The penalties for drug offenses can be harsh.  Relatively minor drug charges, such as possession and the intent to deliver a small amount of drugs can have severe penalties.  In fact, a first time offender can serve over 20 years in prison.  Do not attempt to defend yourself or settle for a court appointed attorney.  Immediately contact our office if you or someone that you know has been charged with a drug offense.  As a criminal defense attorney, I possess the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to adequately defend you in a court of law.  Do not wait.  Call our office, today.