Drug Charge Lawyers in Birmingham, AL
State and federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents have spent countless resources fighting the so-called “War on Drugs.” Although many believe these efforts are misplaced, this hasn’t stopped the government from prosecuting individuals for possessing, manufacturing, and trafficking drugs.
Under Alabama law, the penalties for these crimes are incredibly severe. If you or someone you love is facing state or federal drug charges, you must consider a number of things, including a possible mandatory minimum prison sentence if there is a conviction. Because the stakes are so high, it is vital that you have an experienced criminal defense attorney at your side from the beginning.
At Kirk Drennan Law in Birmingham, we have nearly 20 years of experience defending clients facing all types of state and federal drug charges. Our Criminal Defense Group is headed by attorney Derek Drennan who is dedicated to seeking justice for his clients through aggressive and effective legal advocacy. Contact our office today for a free consultation.
The Severity of Alabama Drug Charges Vary
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in Alabama, you have reason to be concerned. Whether it’s a state or federal crime, you could be facing stiff penalties if you are found guilty. Not only do you risk losing your freedom, but also your ability to earn a living, hold a professional license, vote, and own a firearm.
At Kirk Drennan Law, we defend clients against a wide range of drug crimes, including the possession, manufacturing, and distribution of illegal substances.
Possession of Controlled Substances in Alabama
In Alabama, possession of marijuana for personal use is a Class A misdemeanor, but anything more than personal use elevates the charge to a Class C felony.
Possession of other controlled substances – heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, methamphetamine, LSD, and unprescribed prescription drugs like Xanax, Lortab, and Adderal – is a Class C felony. The penalties for a Class C felony are fines up to $15,000 and up to 10 years in prison.
Possession with Intent to Sell in Alabama
According to Alabama Code § 13A-12-211, you can be charged with possession with intent to sell if you are found with a certain about of an illegal drug. Whether you intended to sell the substance or not, this is a serious Class B felony charge with a prison sentence of up to 20 years.
Unlawful Manufacturing of a Controlled Substance in Alabama
It is illegal in Alabama to manufacture controlled substances as well as to possess “precursor substances” with the intent of using them to manufacture a controlled substance. This can be a Class A or B felony, depending on the circumstances, with penalties of up to life in prison and substantial fines.
Drug Distribution Charges in Alabama
You may be charged with drug distribution if the authorities suspect that you are furnishing, delivering, distributing, or giving away controlled substances. This is charged as a Class B felony.
Drug Paraphernalia Charges in Alabama
Many drug arrests also come with drug paraphernalia charges, where a person was in possession of materials, equipment, or products used for consuming, growing, or making illegal drugs. These are generally Class A misdemeanor charges, which can bring jail time of up to one year.
Other Drug Crimes Charges and Penalties
As if state drug crime charges weren’t bad enough, you can also be charged with federal crimes such as importation, trafficking, and conspiracy. Likewise, anyone who is accused of furnishing drugs to a minor or of committing a crime near a school can face elevated penalties in Alabama.
How to Win a Drug Crime Case
Even a first-time offender can face severe criminal penalties. According to the law, you are innocent until proven guilty, and we have a keen understanding of how state and federal drug crimes cases are prosecuted, won, and lost.
When you work with our firm, we will aggressively fight to achieve the best possible case result. Sometimes this happens through negotiation with prosecutors, but we are never afraid to step into the courtroom to defend the rights and liberty of our clients.
Just because you’ve been charged with a drug crime does not mean you’ve been convicted. Some of the common defenses we use to minimize charges or even get cases dismissed entirely include:
Challenging Illegal Search and Seizure
One of the most effective tactics for winning criminal drug cases is challenging the evidence seized by police. If we can prove the search was unlawful, any evidence collected will be inadmissible in court.
Our legal team will review every aspect of your case to determine if the police had probable cause or a valid warrant to conduct their search. We will challenge the prosecutor’s case whenever possible to protect your rights.
Lack of Knowledge in Drug Cases
It’s possible to get arrested for drug possession and even more serious charges when you had no knowledge of the presence of illegal drugs. This can happen when the accused is a visitor in a home or a passenger in a vehicle and is arrested alongside the owner. To be convicted, the government must show that you knowingly possessed the illegal substance.
Lab Tests of the Alleged Drug
What if there is no proof that the substance is even a narcotic? A field test of substances must be followed up by a certified lab test. If the substances are lost in transit, or there is some problem with the lab’s equipment or processes, this could be a valid defense.
Unreliable Witnesses in Narcotics Cases
Not every witness in a drug crimes case is trustworthy. In fact, many have ulterior motives for giving testimony against someone accused of a serious crime. We will cross-examine witnesses in your case and investigate their backgrounds to ensure the truth is revealed.
Facing Federal or State Drug Charges in Alabama? Contact Kirk Drennan Law for Assistance
Being accused of a crime can be frightening but delaying action will only make matters worse. The sooner you enlist the services of a qualified drug crimes defense attorney, the better chance you’ll have at achieving a positive outcome.
At Kirk Drennan Law, we deliver skilled and personalized service to every client. Instead of judgment, you get the effective representation you need to come out of this situation as favorably as possible and move forward with your life.
We provide free consultations to all criminal defense clients and offer affordable and flexible fee payment options. Contact our office today at 205-803-3500 or reach us online for an appointment.
