You should never consent to a search if facing possible drug charges.
According to one source, 1.16 million Americans every year are arrested for the sale, production, or possession of non-lawful substances. So, these cases aren’t uncommon.
If you face this situation, exercise your right to remain silent and retain the services of a criminal defense lawyer right away. Only if your legal representative advises should you consent to anything.
Your criminal law attorney will work hard to get you the best outcome possible. But you have a role to play, too. If you don’t want to make things harder for the person you’re depending on to represent you, here are four things you must avoid when facing drug charges.
Consenting to a Search
Consenting to a search without a lawyer is not in your best interests. While most police officers are there to do their jobs responsibly and keep their communities safe, their duty when searching your vehicle or home is to gather evidence that will result in a conviction.
If you consent to a search and the police gather evidence, your lawyer won’t be able to challenge whatever evidence was obtained during the search. That’s why you need a criminal defense attorney. Your legal professional will ensure no searches are conducted without a valid warrant.
Contacting Any Witnesses Slated to Testify
Never contact anyone the prosecutor has lined up as a witness. No matter how good of an excuse you think you have to call, email, text, IM, or visit such a person, don’t do it. If the legal authorities find out, you could be in more legal hot water. And the fallout could make it difficult for your criminal defense lawyer to get you the outcome you’re hoping for.
You could be accused of trying to intimidate witnesses or face additional charges. So, assume it’s never okay to reach out to anyone involved in the case as a witness for the prosecution. Ignoring this advice will make matters worse for you and may cause irreversible harm to your case. If you value your freedom, avoid doing things that can jeopardize your case.
Posting Updates About the Case on Social Media
Another mistake you must avoid is posting details about your case on social media. Unfortunately, some people have no filter and fail to realize there’s no need to post information about every aspect of their lives online for people to see.
That’s especially true if you’re involved in a criminal case. Take a hiatus from social media when dealing with a drug arrest or trial. Or, at the very least, refrain from posting any information about the legal proceedings. Your lawyer won’t be pleased if you give updates as they unfold. It’ll make their job many times harder.
Talking to the Police Before Hiring a Lawyer
Remember that it’s never in your best interests to talk to the authorities without a lawyer present. Even if you’re innocent, it’s a bad idea to agree to an interrogation without legal representation. You might say something that is misunderstood, and that can get you into serious trouble. If you have a lawyer with you, the lawyer can advise you on which questions to answer and which to avoid.
Facing drug charges can be a stressful situation, considering what’s at stake if you’re convicted. And even if you’re not convicted, the reputational harm can be life-changing. While hiring a good lawyer will help increase your odds of a successful legal outcome, you must avoid mistakes like the ones above. Otherwise, you could jeopardize your case.
