Bridgeport Drug Crime Lawyer

Bridgeport Drug Crime Attorney

Any arrest can have a negative impact, but a drug arrest can cast a shadow on nearly every aspect of your life, including your personal relationships and career. Protecting yourself should be one of the first things you do after an arrest. The criminal justice system is complicated, and not understanding all of your rights can be disastrous. Contacting a Bridgeport drug crime lawyer is one of the most effective ways to ensure your rights are protected.

Crowe Law, LLC, understands how terrifying it can be to face drug charges. With significant experience defending members of our community, we stand ready to support you through this difficult time. Our compassionate team can work tirelessly to ensure you receive fair and just treatment. Then, we can create a defense plan to ensure your case reaches a favorable outcome.

Drug Crimes in West Virginia

West Virginia is experiencing an increase in drug-related deaths and other social consequences. In 2022 alone, 1,443 people died from a drug overdose.

As a result of the serious consequences of drugs in our community, law enforcement and prosecutors staunchly seek arrests and convictions for drug-related crimes. In 2022, drug-related crimes accounted for almost 20% of all the arrests across the state of West Virginia. Some types of drug crimes you can be charged with include:

• Simple possession. Possessing a small amount of any controlled substance or illegal narcotic is against the law and can result in jail time, fines, and other penalties that depend on the circumstances of the case.
• Possession with intent to distribute. A more serious charge than simple possession, an accusation of intent to sell makes the penalties harsher. It generally requires a larger amount of the drug than simple possession.
• Trafficking. Crossing county lines while distributing drugs increases the severity of the crime. Crossing state lines can elevate the charges to a federal level.
• Manufacturing. Producing drugs is a serious crime, especially if the facility is near a school, a residential area, or somewhere else that could pose a health and safety risk to the public.
• Drug conspiracy. Even if no drugs are present, manufactured, or exchanged, a person can be charged with conspiracy if they agreed to an action that would constitute a drug crime.

Understanding West Virginia Drug Schedules

The specific penalties that result from a drug crime conviction depend on the schedule of the drug involved and the amount present. The drug schedules in West Virginia are:

• Schedule I. Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse. They do not have an accepted medical use in a treatment plan, or they are not considered safe to use, even under medical supervision. Drugs within this schedule include heroin, ecstasy, and LSD.
• Schedule II. Drugs in this category have a high potential for abuse, leading to physical or psychological dependence, but they do have some accepted medical use. Examples of schedule II drugs include oxycodone, fentanyl, morphine, and amphetamine.
• Schedule III. Schedule III drugs have less potential for abuse than substances in Schedule I and II, but they may still lead to high psychological dependence or moderate to low physical dependence. Substances in this category have an accepted medical use. Examples include ketamine, Vicodin, and products containing capped amounts of codeine.
• Schedule IV. Substances in this category have a low potential for abuse, and they have an accepted medical use. There is a limited risk of physical or psychological dependence.

Potential penalties for drug offenses can be severe, including significant time in jail, heavy fines, community service, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and other penalties the court may impose.

First-Time Drug Possession

Though West Virginia does prosecute drug offenses harshly, there is some leniency for first-time drug possession charges. This provision is intended to allow individuals who possess small amounts of drugs to move on from the mistake without a permanent impact on their personal life or criminal record.

If this is an option available to you, you will be placed on probation. The presiding judge will set the conditions of the probation. If you fulfill them to the satisfaction of the judge, your case will be dismissed, and you will be discharged. After a certain period of time, you will then have the opportunity to apply for your record to be expunged if you commit no other crimes.

FAQs

Will I Be Arrested if I Possess Cannabis in West Virginia?

You may be arrested in West Virginia if you are found in possession of cannabis. Though recreational cannabis use is not legal in the state, you can legally be prescribed cannabis and use it medically. The cannabis user will be required to have a valid identification card issued by the bureau. A cardholder may have up to two caregivers at a time.

Do I Need a Defense Attorney if I Have Been Arrested for a Drug Offense?

In Bridgeport. you should consider hiring a defense attorney if you have been arrested for a drug offense. Being convicted of a drug crime can carry significant criminal and personal consequences. It is recommended that you work with a criminal defense attorney who has experience handling cases similar to yours. They can ensure your rights are protected throughout the process and help you reach the most favorable outcome possible.

Will I Serve Jail Time for a First-Time Drug Possession Conviction?

If you have been arrested for drug possession and it is your first drug offense, you may be able to avoid jail time. West Virginia does have a provision that allows some first-time offenders to avoid jail and instead spend time on probation, but not all cases will qualify. An experienced drug crime lawyer can further explain the program and whether you qualify.

How Much Does a Drug Offense Lawyer Cost in West Virginia?

The total cost you can expect to pay a criminal defense lawyer to defend you against drug offense charges will depend on the circumstances of your case. A more complicated case that reaches trial will generally cost more. Reaching out to local attorneys can help you determine what you should expect to pay for their services.

Crowe Law, LLC: Defending You Against Drug Charges

It is crucial that you retain an experienced Bridgeport drug crime lawyer if you have been arrested for a drug-related offense. Crowe Law, LLC, can build a strong defense for the crimes you have been accused of committing. Reach out to our compassionate and knowledgeable team today to learn how we can help you move forward.