A conviction for drug charges can come with life-changing penalties. The consequences you face depend on the type and amount of the drug, the location of the offense and other factors. Common penalties include jail time, expensive fines, a mark on your criminal record and the loss of other freedoms.
If you are facing drug charges in New York, then there may be several defenses that apply to your case. Sometimes police officers make mistakes; for example, if the arresting officer did not have probable cause, then the court may dismiss your charges.
A New York City false arrest attorney from Goldberg & Allen, LLP can evaluate your case and structure an aggressive defense against your charges. Call 212-766-3366 to schedule a consultation.
Until then, read on to learn three important facts about arrests for drug crimes:
- You have the right to remain silent.
Although you should never lie to a police officer, you have the right to remain silent. You should not answer the officer’s questions without the guidance of a drug crime lawyer. The prosecuting authority can use your statements as evidence against you in court.
Police should disclose your right to remain silent when reading your Miranda Rights. However, the prosecuting authority can still reference statements you make before the officer has read your Miranda Rights.
- You may have been the victim of false arrest.
According to the United States Commission on Civil Rights, the police must adhere to the Fourth Amendment, which protects citizens from unlawful searches, seizures and false arrests. If you were a victim of false arrest, then the court may dismiss your charges. Also, you may be able to claim monetary compensation from the at-fault party or agency.
Just because you are innocent does not mean you were the victim of false arrest. If the officer had a reasonable suspicion that you were in the process of committing or had committed a crime, and he or she legally discovered evidence that established probable cause to arrest you, then you were probably not the victim of false arrest.
- A drug crime lawyer can help you navigate the justice system.
The criminal justice system is often unpredictable. Crafting an effective defense is a time-consuming and complex process. This is where a criminal attorney may be able to help.
If you were arrested for a drug-related offense, your first call should be to a drug crime lawyer. Your attorney can evaluate the arrest and aggressively fight for a positive outcome to your case.
A criminal lawyer from Goldberg & Allen, LLP can help you navigate the justice system. We can also determine if you may have been the victim of false arrest.
Jay K. Goldberg and Gerald Allen have both reached the level of First Deputy Bureau Chief in Kings County. Call 212-766-3366 to schedule a consultation.
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