If you have been charged with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, you may be considering representing yourself in court. It is important to understand that choosing to represent yourself could cause costly mistakes in your case that may lead to undesirable results. When facing a conviction involving controlled substances, the skill and experience of a reputable attorney can increase the chances of the most favorable outcome for your situation.
Knowing When To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney
The role of the criminal defense attorney is to represent individuals who have been charged with a criminal offense. Determining when you should hire a criminal defense attorney can be a challenge; you may be weighing the possible benefits with the financial costs.
However, controlled substance possession charges, and especially Schedule I/II, pose significant risk of severe punishment.
Reasons To Hire A Criminal Defense Attorney After A Possession Charge
Possession of a Schedule I substance is a felony, which means that it carries more stringent penalties than a misdemeanor. An attorney will represent you in court to achieve the best outcome possible for your specific situation.
Avoid Mistakes That Come From Representing Yourself
When you represent yourself, you are vulnerable and less impactful than if you were represented by an experienced criminal defense attorney. You do not have the same leverage to negotiate, and other experts may not take your legal arguments seriously if you are not an attorney. In the absence of a law degree, you may also make costly and irreparable mistakes in the interpretation and application of the law.
Attorneys Hold Deep Knowledge Of The Law
Attorneys go to school specifically to study the law, and criminal defense attorneys who specialize in this field have deep knowledge that they can use to advocate on your behalf. You may be able to have your charges dismissed thanks to a little-known workaround, or your penalties could be reduced thanks to the comprehensive knowledge your attorney can bring to bear on your case.
Money Can Be Saved
You may feel like the cost of hiring a lawyer is not worth the services that you receive, but it is important to remember that the outcome of your case can have long-lasting impacts on your financial health. While it is true that hiring a private criminal defense attorney will cost money, consider the lost income you may experience if you go to prison, the fines you may have to pay if you fail to successfully represent yourself in court, and the opportunity cost of spending time working your own case.
If you are found guilty of a felony, that mark can appear on your public record and strip you of professional licenses, preventing you from gainful employment or affordable housing; these costs will likely exceed what you pay to hire a legal expert to represent you.
Better Chance Of Protecting Your Future
Your attorney works on your behalf, which means that they will try to have your case dismissed or see your charges reduced. This helps to protect your future, where less time is spent in jail or paying fines and more time is spent continuing your employment and maintaining your family responsibilities.
Attorneys Can Advise You On Possible Outcomes
As you move through the process of navigating a Schedule I controlled substance possession charge, you need to be able to plan for your future. The best attorneys will keep you apprised of the possible outcomes of your case so that you and your family can make plans to weather these challenging times.
Your legal counsel can advise you on whether to accept a plea deal or whether to continue the battle in court. They can also inform you of whether there is a genuine possibility of seeing your case dismissed or whether you need to plan for other outcomes.
Seek Out An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged with possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, remember that an attorney can represent you in court better than you can represent yourself. Consider the potential losses and financial strains that a conviction could cause in your life and weigh that against the temporary fees of hiring a skilled criminal defense attorney.
The Law Offices of Kermit A. Monge would be happy to represent you in court and advocate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Reach out today by calling 703.273.5500 or by requesting a consultation online.