Charges of possession or trafficking of illegal drugs can derail your future. Not only do these charges often lead to a jail sentence, but the damage done to your record can linger with you for years after your release. The best way to defend against these charges is to reach out to an experienced lawyer in your area. In the best case scenario, your lawyer can get the prosecution to drop drug charges. Even if this doesn’t occur, your lawyer can at least reduce your sentence and give you the vigorous defence you deserve.
What to Look for in a Lawyer
When you find yourself facing drug charges and need a lawyer quickly, you should seek out somebody with a few key properties. Experience is most essential—you definitely don’t want to step into the most important court appointment of your life with somebody who has never defended against drug charges before. A practice history in your region is also very helpful, since that provides your lawyer with context and knowledge of judges and prosecutors that you might face. The opportunity for a free consultation also lets you feel out how well you will fit with your lawyer. For Ontario residents, Jeff Mass, Toronto criminal lawyer, offers an excellent combination of experience, regional knowledge, and flexibility.
Why You Shouldn’t Go It Alone
The old saying goes that a man who represents himself in court has a fool for a client. While often used as a joke, the saying has some truth to it. A person who decides to forego an experienced lawyer misses out on legal nuances that might lead to exoneration. Lawyers know how to identify improper police procedure, take advantage of prosecutorial mistakes, and look for mitigating circumstances that might reduce or remove the penalty for the crimes you stand accused of. Relying on a lawyer who lacks experience—or worse, relying on no lawyer at all—means that you walk into the courtroom at a severe disadvantage. When you face drug charges, that mistake can land you in jail for years.
Your First Consultation
When you consult with a lawyer for the first time, make sure that you are as thorough and objective as possible when laying out the facts about your case. Areas that you should pay special attention to include the amount of illegal drugs you possessed at the time of your arrest, the actions of the arresting officer, and any previous drug charges you have faced. Your lawyer can help to determine whether your rights were violated during your arrest and whether the amount of drugs you had could be interpreted as an intent to traffic, which would increase your potential jail time. The lawyer you choose can also recommend the best course of action, ranging from settling the matter before trial to fighting the charge in court.
You simply can’t afford to take a drug charge lightly. If you find yourself in trouble for drug possession or an accusation of intent to traffic, your choice of lawyer can determine your future. Make the right choice if you value your freedom.
Mass Tsang LLP
1810 Avenue Road, Suite 200
Toronto
ON
M5M 3Z2
Canada
(416) 781-1148
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