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Every state has strict laws concerning the possession of a controlled substance, and Alabama is no exception. Getting caught with drugs may be considered either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the type of substance in question, but both offenses are subject to harsh penalties. As such, if you’ve been accused of possession, it’s imperative to speak with an experienced attorney about your legal options. Here are some of the most common defenses used to avoid conviction of such charges.

Strategies to Fight a Drug Possession Case

1. Ownership

In many drug possession cases, a defendant will argue that the controlled substance wasn’t theirs and they were unaware it was in their home or vehicle. Proving possession can be especially difficult if the drugs were found in a common area or car that other people have regular access to. A skilled attorney will argue that the prosecution is unable to show beyond a doubt that the narcotics didn’t belong to someone else. 

2. Unlawful Search

attorneyThe Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from illegal searches conducted by law enforcement. They must have either probable cause, a warrant, or consent to perform a lawful search of your home, vehicle, or person.

In turn, if the police violated your rights in an effort to obtain evidence against you, anything they found in this manner will not be admissible in court. Without this evidence, it’s likely the prosecution would no longer have a case. 

3. Entrapment

Officers frequently set up sting operations and go undercover to catch suspected criminals in the act of breaking the law. However, it’s not legal for them to coerce someone into committing a crime they probably wouldn’t have been involved in otherwise. This is referred to as entrapment. An attorney will be able to identify if police misconduct occurred, such as providing the drugs you’re accused of having in your possession or pressuring you to pass them to a third party. 

 

With so much at stake when facing possession charges, you need a qualified attorney on your side to aggressively advocate for your rights. Fortunately, you can trust the legal team at J.P. Coleman Law, LLC, Attorneys at Law to determine the best course of action to take for your specific case. They’ll thoroughly evaluate the allegations against you to decide which defense strategy will be most effective at getting your charges reduced or dropped. Backed by years of experience, the firm has successfully represented countless residents throughout Baldwin County, AL. Call (251) 947-6247 to schedule a consultation or visit them online to learn more about their services.

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