What To Do When You’re Charged With a Drug Offense

Over 17,000 federal drug-related charges were filed in 2021 in the United States. That’s over 31% of all federal criminal cases filed in that year. This makes drug charges one of the most common reasons people find themselves needing drug charge lawyers (often called criminal defense attorneys).

The law is complicated, and drug-related criminal cases aren’t always straightforward. Drug charges can include:

• Possession of a controlled substance (drug)
• Possession with intent to sell or distribute
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Drug manufacturing
• Drug trafficking

Drug charges range in severity, and every person’s situation and criminal case is different. Regardless, the penalties for drug-related convictions can be significant, even if it is your first offense.

You may face jail time, fines, and a permanent record that can impact your ability to get a job, receive financial aid for college, maintain your parental rights, and more.

If you’re facing charges for a drug offense in Indiana, here’s what you need to do next.

Stay calm at the time of the incident

Many drug possession charges and other drug offense charges originate with a traffic stop. A police officer may pull you over for a traffic violation, and the incident may result in your arrest and/or drug charges being brought against you.

Getting pulled over can be upsetting, especially if you feel you’ve done nothing wrong. But no matter the situation, it’s important to stay calm and remain respectful during the stop.

Know your rights

If the police want to search you or your vehicle, you don’t have to give your consent to search. In some situations, police can search you and your vehicle in routine traffic stops without consent or a warrant. For example, they may initiate a search if drugs or drug paraphernalia are in plain view or if they smell drugs, like marijuana, in the vehicle.

You shouldn’t resist law enforcement, but never try to talk your way out of criminal charges with the police. Assert your fifth amendment right to remain silent. Staying silent can prevent you from accidentally sharing information that may be used against you in court later on.

Find drug charge lawyers to represent you

Convictions on drug charges can include jail time, significant fines, and a permanent record. Drug charges need to be taken very seriously, as they can have a major impact on the rest of your life.

The good news is that receiving drug charges doesn’t mean a conviction is inevitable. People charged with drug offenses have many options — and the right lawyer can help you achieve a positive outcome.

You should always have a lawyer on your side when you’re facing drug charges, regardless of your situation.

Boren, Oliver, & Coffey, LLP has more than 100 years of combined legal experience in the State of Indiana. Our drug charge lawyers are well-versed in Indiana drug laws, and we are dedicated to giving each client’s case the time and attention it deserves.

We examine the police reports involving your case, ensuring that law enforcement followed all the appropriate procedures. In many cases, evidence found in person and vehicle searches can be suppressed if the traffic stop or the search was performed unlawfully, without consent, or without probable cause.

At BOC, our experienced drug charge attorneys do more than represent you in the legal system. We recognize that all of our clients are people first. And if you’re struggling with drug addiction, we have experience working with a network of addiction treatment and rehabilitation centers across Indiana.

Understand your drug charges and your case

The State of Indiana takes drug crime seriously. Although some drug charges are classified as misdemeanors, many drug charges in Indiana are felonies.

No two drug possession cases are exactly alike. When you work with a BOC drug offense attorney, you don’t have to figure out all the legal implications of your charges alone.

There are many different factors that affect your charges and the potential outcomes of your case, including:

• Schedule of the drug(s)
• Amount of drug possessed
• Your location at the time of possession
• Whether it appeared you had intent to distribute/sell the drug
• Whether you were in possession of a gun or other weapon at the time
• Your previous criminal charges, if any

Generally, charges related to Schedule I and Schedule II drugs pose the most severe penalties if you’re convicted. You could also face more severe penalties depending on the amount of the drug found in your possession, along with other factors.

Facing drug charges in Indiana? Now is the time to find drug charge lawyers. Schedule a free consultation to review your case with our legal team at Boren, Oliver, & Coffey, LLP.