Jacksonville Drug Crime Lawyer

Jacksonville, NC Drug Crime Attorney

Getting arrested on a drug crime charge can be a frightening experience. You may feel like there’s no one on your side and no sympathy to be found. Fortunately, a Jacksonville, NC, drug crime lawyer can analyze your case and build a defense for you against these charges.

For many people arrested for drug crimes, it can feel like their fate has already been decided. Don’t lose hope, though. The justice system protects the rights of the accused and allows them the opportunity to defend against the accusations made against them. You have a right to your day in court.

Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC: Your Jacksonville, NC, Drug Crime Attorneys

Taking advantage of the full scope of rights available to you is the job of your Onslow County drug defense attorney. Our understanding of the law and legal process can be put to work, ensuring that every opportunity to avoid a guilty verdict and the harsh penalties associated with it is taken. At Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC, we have experience both prosecuting and defending criminal cases. We are prepared to use our full breadth of knowledge for your benefit.

What Are Drug Crimes in North Carolina?

Drug crimes are a broad category of crime that covers a range of offenses and their penalties. These offenses involve the production, distribution, trafficking, and possession of controlled substances. Some of the most common drug crimes include:

• Possession of a controlled substance
• Drug paraphernalia possession
• Possession of drug precursors (the ingredients to make a drug)
• Possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute
• Drug trafficking
• Drug conspiracy
• Production of a controlled substance

What Does a Jacksonville Drug Crime Lawyer Do?

A criminal defense lawyer can be vital to making sure that you exhaust every possible option for your defense. It’s our job to defend and assert the rights that you have.

Before and During an Arrest

Those rights begin before there is even an arrest. If you find that you’re being investigated for a drug crime, it’s critical that you contact us so that we can help protect your rights against self-incrimination and unlawful warrants. If you are arrested, we can also help ensure that your right to remain silent and other Miranda rights are observed. Our team can protect every right that you have through the entire legal process.

Investigation to Plan a Defense

We are also responsible for putting forth a defense on your behalf. This process typically begins with a full investigation of the circumstances leading to your arrest. We look for evidence that can be helpful in your defense and create doubt about the prosecution’s evidence.

While we are investigating, we can begin to develop a plan for your defense. Critical to this process is the ability to think like a prosecutor. That’s something that comes naturally for us at Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC, having previously spent part of our careers on that side of the process.

We have a strong understanding of how prosecutors approach a drug crime case. The more we can identify potential weak points in their case, the better we can prepare to emphasize those in front of the jury and cast reasonable doubt on your guilt.

Defense in Court

The process of defending you against drug charges begins before the trial, as various applicable motions may be filed before a trial starts. We can work to dismiss some or all of the evidence that the prosecution hopes to bring to the case. We may even be able to file a motion to dismiss the charges.

During the trial, we put forth a formidable defense while representing you. However, not every case will go the way we hope, as even the most thorough of defenses sometimes can still return a verdict of “guilty.” If that’s the case, though, our advocacy doesn’t stop there, as we can then argue for a shorter sentence. We can also represent you in appeals if that’s a possibility.

What Should You Do If You’re Arrested in Jacksonville?

If you’re arrested in Jacksonville, how you handle the process can be some of the most important moments during your case. It’s possible that you can preserve your rights and maintain a solid position to defend from, or you may end up hurting your case. To avoid making your situation worse, it’s important to remember three basic ideas:

• Stay Calm – Emotions may be running high, but you don’t want to say or do something that may hurt your case, so it’s critical that you maintain composure.
• Remain Silent – You have a right to remain silent for a very good reason. Use it.
• Contact Your Lawyer – A lawyer can help protect your rights after an arrest and guide you through the next steps. Contact your lawyer as soon as you possibly can.

Don’t Fight Drug Crime Charges Without the Help of an Onslow County Drug Defense Attorney

The corrosive effects of drugs on society have led drug-related offenses to become some of the most seriously charged crimes. The penalties are often significant, particularly for repeat offenders.

It’s important that those charged with these crimes have a thorough defense put forth for them. Even though the legal apparatus arrayed against those charged with drug crimes can feel a bit overwhelming, you have a right to due process and the opportunity to defend yourself. You must be shown to be guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and you have every right to challenge the prosecution’s claims against you.

Your strongest tool in defending yourself is likely to be working with a Jacksonville drug crime lawyer. We have a thorough understanding of the laws involved in your situation and the legal process through which you can defend yourself. With a skilled, experienced lawyer, you may be able to successfully challenge the accusations against you. In other cases, where the evidence against you is overwhelming, it may be possible to plea down to a lesser penalty or for your lawyer to make the case for lighter sentencing.

At Silva, Kiernan & Associates, PLLC, we can ensure that every measure is taken to defend our drug crime clients. If you’re facing charges and need a strong defense, contact us today.