You may have enjoyed an evening out with friends on the town, and on the way home, police stop your car and smell marijuana when you open your vehicle window. Before you know it, police are searching your car and find not only pot, but also some methamphetamine. The officers then arrest you and take you to jail.
When you are facing drug possession charges, it’s important you know what to do. Your actions during your arrest and immediately afterward can affect whether you will be convicted. So here are some tips when you face a drug possession arrest:
- Remember that you have the right to remain silent. It’s best if you exercise that part of your Miranda rights immediately. You don’t have to answer questions from police if they stop your vehicle and search it. You don’t want to say something that will incriminate you further.
- Call an attorney. After police book you in jail, you need to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Again, you should not answer any police questions without an attorney present. You also will need an attorney’s help to present a defense against your drug charges.
- Work with your attorney to see if you can have your drug charges reduced or accept a plea agreement. You may need to agree to seek substance abuse treatment and complete probation and community service.
Having a drug conviction on your record can have serious consequences. You will face paying a fine and may have to serve time in jail. If you are a college student, you can lose your financial aid. You also can limit your future job opportunities. That’s why taking the right steps after a drug possession arrest is so important.