Alabama Drug Crime Lawyer
The state of Alabama prosecutes drug crimes with the intent punishing the guilty to dissuade others from committing similar drug offenses. As such, drug crimes are harshly penalized and prosecuted in the state, making a drug crime case a delicate legal matter in need of experienced legal representation.
The seriousness of your drug crime case can be made worse if there are charges for drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, and drug distribution.
However, even those not facing additional charges could face serious penalties. Alabama gives drug crimes a high priority, not least of all because of the publicity involved in drug use, growth, and trafficking.
You do not need all that extra publicity, so it’s time to speak with a drug defense attorney who will defend your legal rights with the same level of aggression that the District Attorney brings down against you.
Jim Golden Law has extensive experience representing drug crime cases across the state of Alabama. We pride ourselves on providing respectful and highly skilled legal counsel to all of our clients, regardless of the severity of their charges.
Whether you are facing financial fines or the prospect of losing your freedom, you must seek legal guidance from criminal defense lawyer Jim Golden. With our legal team in your corner, you stand a chance of having your charges reduced or dismissed entirely. Contact our Pell City-based law firm to schedule your free initial consultation.
What Are Examples of Drug Crimes in Alabama?
Alabama media makes drug crimes a constant feature in the nightly news. Because of that, as well as because of the overwhelming opioid crisis in America, Alabama can be quite severe in how it pursues charges in drug crime cases.
- Common drug cases in Alabama include the following:
- Cocaine possession or distribution.
- Conspiracy to import, manufacture, transport, or distribute drugs.
- Driving under the influence of illicit narcotics.
- Drug delivery crimes.
- Drug distribution charges.
- Drug paraphernalia possession.
- Drug sales.
- Drug trafficking.
- Federal drug charges.
- Illegal drug cultivation.
- Illegal possession.
- Importing a controlled substance.
- Marijuana possession and other marijuana crimes.
- Methamphetamine drug crimes.
- Money laundering in relation to drug offenses.
- Out-of-state drug charges.
- Prescription drug violations, such as the use of prescription drugs without a valid prescription.
- School zone drug offense.
The list of drug cases we represent at Jim Golden Law is comprehensive and always evolving. Contact our law firm for a more detailed understanding of the legal services we offer our clients.
With strong legal representation, we could help you win your drug crime case, see your charges reduced, help you understand which Alabama drug crimes are felonies or misdemeanors, and sort out the complexities of state and federal drug crimes.
What is On the List of Controlled Substances in Alabama Drug Possession Laws?
Under Alabama law, controlled dangerous substances are regulated by the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), which breaks controlled substances up into five different categories, which it terms schedules.
- Schedule I drugs have the highest potential for abuse and are not accepted for medical use in the United States. These drugs include heroin, acid (LSD), and marijuana. Marijuana is legal in many states across the country but is still classified as a Schedule I drug by federal authorities.
- Schedule II drugs may lead to psychological or physical dependence upon the drugs. These controlled substances include morphine, cocaine, methadone, fentanyl, PCP, and methamphetamine.
- Schedule III drugs may lead to a low physical dependence or high psychological dependence upon the drugs. These drugs include anabolic steroids, codeine products, and certain specific barbiturates.
- Schedule IV drugs may lead to limited dependence. These drugs include Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin.
- Schedule V drugs are considered to have the lowest potential for abuse. These include cough medicines and other over-the-counter drugs.
What Are the Potential Penalties for Possessing, Using, or Trafficking Illegal Drugs?
If you receive a drug crime conviction, the consequences could be most dire. Depending upon the unique facts of your case, you could face prison time, even if this was your first-ever drug offense. If you get a drug conviction, you may also see your driver’s license suspended for up to six months.
Additionally, you may face costly financial penalties. The fees, fines, and costs of your drug crime charges will differ depending upon the court and the judge assigned to your case.
Can You Be Arrested for Possession of Prescription Drugs?
You can be accused of drug crimes even if the drug in question is not typically considered an illegal drug. Abuse of prescription drugs is on the rise, and law enforcement takes this very seriously.
False prescriptions or abuse of prescription drugs like Vicodin, Oxycontin, and codeine could result in felony charges. Federal charges could mean that you are being prosecuted by the FBI or DEA. You do not want to face these government agencies on your own.
Schedule a free, confidential consultation with a drug defense lawyer at our law firm to learn how to protect your rights.
What Are the Differences Between State Drug Crimes and Federal Drug Charges?
State and federal drug crime laws often crossover in a drug case. Both our state and our federal government are known for aggressively pursuing harsh penalties for drug crime legal matters. Before you enter a courtroom, you must retain professional legal counsel to represent your case and hopefully limit your exposure to the harshest penalties.
Ultimately, the U.S. government reserves the right to file criminal charges in any Alabama drug crime case. The FBI and DEA are more likely to get involved when they suspect the following:
- Organized crime syndicates are believed to be involved.
- The drug case involves a large-scale drug cultivation, distribution, or trafficking operation.
- The drug crime case involved the use of firearms or violence.
- There is the belief that the drugs crossed state lines or national borders.
What Are Strong Criminal Defense Strategies That Experienced Drug Crime Lawyers Could Employ?
There are several defense strategies available to a drug crime lawyer representing your case. Depending upon the facts of your unique case, your criminal defense lawyer may opt to argue that perhaps the drugs belong to another person, that you did not meet the legal standards for possession, or that there was some mistaken identity.
Your drug crimes lawyer may also attempt to accuse law enforcement of breaking the law in some way by arguing that there was an unlawful search and seizure, that they entrapped you, or that they lacked probable cause.
If there is reason to suspect that the drugs were planted, your drug crime attorneys may also attempt to prove this fact. The sooner your lawyer has a chance to review your case, the better off they will be prepared to represent your case in a court of law.
Schedule a Free 30-Minute Case Evaluation with a Drug Crime Defense Attorney
Jim Golden Law has years of experience representing drug cases in the state of Alabama. Our drug crimes attorney understand the severity of the consequences of your case and the implication therein should you be convicted of all charges.
As your legal representatives, we will do everything within our power to defend your charges and bring them to the most positive outcomes. With a strong defense, it is possible to see your charges reduced or thrown out entirely. Contact our criminal lawyers for a free consultation today if you’re facing drug crime charges by calling us at 866-950-6652.