Drug crimes include the illegal possession, transportation, manufacture, and sale of drugs, and each offense can carry severe penalties. By retaining the services of drug crime lawyers who are highly experienced in defending such cases, those charged with such crimes can have their legal rights protected.
Drug-related crimes encompass a wide variety of crimes, and thousands of people are arrested for these crimes each year. In fact, the US Drug Enforcement Agency recorded more than 30,000 drug arrests in the country in 2009. The prevalence of these crimes has resulted in increased pressure on law enforcement agencies to step up their efforts in combating such crimes.
Each crime, depending on the circumstances and the amount of drug found, can carry harsh consequences. For example, people convicted of illegal drug possession can face prison sentences, fines, and registration as drug offenders, among other things. The transportation and distribution of drugs can carry more severe punishment depending on certain conditions, such as the types and quantity of drugs being transported. Accused individuals who are not US citizens also face deportation if convicted.
Whether or not people arrested and charged with drug-related crimes are guilty of them, those people still retain certain legal rights, chief among which is the right to legal representation. Due to the serious legal consequences associated with these crimes, it is in the defendant’s best interest to obtain the help of qualified drug crime attorneys as soon as possible. Experienced criminal attorneys are not only able to protect the rights of their clients, but also use their vast pool of resources to build a strong and aggressive defense.