Drug Crime Charge Attorney in Birmingham, Alabama

Drug crime charges are a serious allegation in any jurisdiction, but especially in Alabama. State and federal prosecutors alike are known for their aggressive pursuit of drug charges. A conviction can have results that are life-changing for the offender, both personally and professionally. When it comes to drug crimes, state and federal laws usually overlap. The federal government has substantial resources for the prosecution of drug-related crimes.

You need to work with a seasoned Alabama drug crime defense attorney who is ready to fight for your rights and offer robust legal representation on your behalf. Regardless of the crime, you are charged with, you still have rights under the law. At ZJP Law LLC, we have the knowledge and expertise to develop a strong legal defense strategy for your drug crime charges. Our skilled lawyers have handled countless drug crime lawsuits ranging from simple marijuana possession to cocaine trafficking.

Serious Consequences for Drug Charges

It is vital to understand that being charged with a drug crime is not equivalent to being convicted of a drug crime. But a charge can certainly turn into a conviction if you do not undertake the necessary measures to preserve your rights and fight against such charges.

You may face severe penalties if convicted of a drug crime in the state of Alabama, including:

  • Driver's license revocation
  • Financial penalties related to the crime for which you receive a conviction
  • Court fees and fines
  • A permanent record of your criminal conviction
  • Incarceration
  • Probation
  • Mandatory drug education classes/rehabilitation
The above consequences are quite serious. Besides spending time behind bars, which many people consider as the most severe outcome of such convictions, you may also be forced to quit your job, lose custody of your kids, be unable to gain employment in the future, and experience other limitations, such as on housing and education. Cumulatively, these consequences can change the course of your life.

Remember that there are harsh punishments under Alabama law for the possession, distribution, use, and production/cultivation of drugs. Even marijuana possession for personal use, which is legal in some states around the nation and is thought to be innocuous elsewhere, is classified as a class A misdemeanor in the state.

With a class A misdemeanor conviction, a person can be incarcerated for up to one year and face fines of up to $6,000. Upon selling or distributing marijuana, the charge is escalated to a class B felony, which is associated with incarceration of up to ten years and a fine of up to $30,000.

Strong Legal Representation for Various Drug-related Offenses

When faced with serious charges such as a drug crime, you do not want to work with an inexperienced attorney, especially when your future is at stake. The seasoned drug crime lawyers at the law offices of Zach Peagler offer clients robust representation for various drug crime offenses. If you find yourself facing charges for the below-mentioned crimes, we can help.

  • Illegal possession of drugs
  • Illegal distribution of drugs
  • Illegal production/cultivation of drugs
We can offer legal assistance if you face charges of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Apart from the drug crimes mentioned above, we have expertise in defending our clients against felony and misdemeanor offenses and federal drug crime charges. The most serious of drug crime offenses is a federal drug crime charge, and it will certainly result in extensive jail time and significant fines.

Search & Seizure Laws in Drug Crime Cases

For people who believe that their constitutional rights have been compromised, it is good to consult a qualified Alabama drug crime lawyer who can identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case and/or violation of legal rights. According to the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution, all US citizens enjoy protection from illegal searches and seizure of person or property.

The 14th Amendment disallows law enforcement personnel from conducting a search of your person or property or seizing anything unless they have a valid court-issued search order or just probable cause.

Alternative Sentencing for Drug Crimes

The experienced team at Zach Peagler Law Firm can help you avoid severe penalties. An effective way to achieve this is via alternative sentencing. Under Alabama law, people who have not been charged with a violent crime or commit a first-time drug offense can benefit from alternative sentencing. However, it is not a rigid rule, and our seasoned lawyers could help you negotiate alternative sentencing for more serious offenses.

Under alternative sentencing, the options include the work-release program, the drug diversion program, supervised probation, drug court, and electronic monitoring.

In Alabama, drug courts are readily available and help people through their issues, instead of just over-crowding prisons. Also, drug diversion programs provide support to people to help them with their drug abuse problems.

Drug Charge Defense in Alabama

Charges are not equivalent to a conviction. Therefore, you should make every effort to defend yourself against drug crime charges in Alabama. The legal team at Zach Peagler will thoroughly evaluate your case and create the most robust defense possible in the circumstances.

We may argue for your constitutional rights, which may have been violated by an unconstitutional stop or an unlawful search and seizure. Any proof acquired from an unlawful search, seizure, or stop should be inadmissible as evidence in the case. We may employ technical defenses, including arguing to have specific evidence included on the basis of the rules of evidence.

We may use a substantive defense, where we show proof that you did not have constructive or actual possession of the illegal substance. If the drugs were in someone else's possession, you might not have been aware of their presence in your car or home. We may contend that it is a case of mistaken identity and that the police arrested the wrong individual.

Advantages of Hiring an Experienced Drug Crimes Lawyer

It is best to promptly consult the law offices of Zach Peagler if you face drug-related criminal charges. Our seasoned attorneys will fight hard to ensure that your drug-related penalties are dismissed, reduced, or suppressed. For a no-obligation case review, call today at 205-871-9990.