If you're facing a any type of drug charges in South Carolina, you need help. An experienced drug lawyer, such as David Tarr, can provide the support you need. He has over two decades of successful results in both Magistrate and General Sessions Court, in Columbia and the surrounding areas.
An attorney with a strong background in defending drug cases, he knows what it takes to get a successful outcome.
If You're Facing Drug Charges, Here's What You Need to Know
1. What You Say Can Be Held Against You
Being arrested for drug charges is a stressful and terrifying situation. Your first thought may be to contact a friend, a family member, or anyone you know that's a lawyer. Instead, try to stay calm and find an experienced drug lawyer right away.
A defense attorney who understands drug arrests will advise you to stay quiet until he or she arrives. He or she knows that your statements and behavior during the arrest, and while in custody, are critical. How you act, and what you say, could come up later during negotiations, testimony and sentencing. You don't want your actions to be used against you.
Not all lawyers are aware of the high stakes and risks surrounding an arrest for drug possession. Make sure you reach out to someone who knows what it is like, and how to help.
2. The Details of Your Arrest May Make All the Difference
A good drug attorney knows that every detail of your arrest will be crucial to mounting a strong defense. Their goal will be to show that the arrest was not conducted properly, and therefore should be thrown out.
Being pulled over while driving is a serious matter. Every step of the process is important to ensure that the police followed procedures correctly. It is essential to pay attention to every detail.
If the police asked to search your home, car or person, those details may be scrutinized by your lawyer. Your lawyer may challenge whether the search was conducted with "reasonable cause."
Your race or gender may also be important to your attorney if there is evidence that the police acted in a way that was discriminatory.
3. You Need a Drug Lawyer Who Understands the System
If you are in legal trouble, you will benefit from being represented by a lawyer who knows the local criminal justice system, and the people who work in it.
A lawyer with a reputation for integrity, is respected by the court and the police, even if he seems to be working against them. A lawyer who is known for ethical behavior will be listened to and treated well in the courtroom. This becomes a real advantage to his clients.
4. An Experienced Lawyer Can Help Expunge Your Record
A good drug attorney will help defend your drug arrest. An excellent lawyer will make it go away.
An expungement results in your criminal charge literally disappearing- as if it had never happened.
You may be eligible to get your record expunged if you meet the following criteria:
- You are young.
- This was your first offense.
- You refrain from getting into trouble again in the next few years.
Having a drug arrest expunged can make a big difference down the road. Having a clean record will help if you are applying to college, jobs, or elected positions in the future.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Help with a Drug Charge?
If you are facing charges of criminal possession, possession with intent to distribute, drug trafficking, manufacturing, or conspiracy, you need immediate assistance. David Tarr can help. 