Being hit with a drug trafficking charge can be a bit disorienting, and it’s only natural to have more questions than answers when you first hear the news.
How many counts am I being charged with? How am I going to build my case? What’s going to happen with work and school?
There may be a lot of unknowns at this point, but there is one known factor in every drug trafficking case in the state of Louisiana: you know you need a lawyer even if you’re innocent.
Hiring a lawyer is absolutely crucial for anyone facing a drug trafficking charge. You may think you know the ins and outs of the court system and could feel confident you won’t face a conviction, but the help of a good criminal defense lawyer can do wonders for your case.
Not convinced that you need to hire an attorney for your case? After seeing all of the ways a lawyer could benefit you, you’ll be ready to find the representation you need.
Truly Fight for Your Rights
When you’re facing drug trafficking charges, you may think that everything is an open and shut case. The police and prosecution may want to make you feel like your fate is sealed, but many factors could affect your case.
Did the drug trafficking charge come from what was supposed to be a seemingly normal traffic stop? Did an officer of the law enter your home or search your property without a warrant? Did you feel like you were coerced to admit to certain things when an officer had you detained? Do you think it’s possible that you were racially profiled?
Whether you’re in Baton Rouge, Livingtson, or Ascension Louisiana, all of those things can have a significant impact on your case. They’ll also be incredibly difficult to prove if you don’t have the right legal representation on your side.
The right lawyer can help ensure that the government and the police aren’t infringing on your rights. They’ll know the ins and outs of the law and will fight to ensure you’re treated fairly.
Avoid Civil Discrimination
Thanks to the popularity of crime drama in TV and movies, many people believe that the legal system moves at lightning-fast speed. You may have just been charged with trafficking, but you shouldn’t expect to have your day in court immediately.
It can take weeks or even months for your case to go to trial in Louisiana. And while you’re waiting to go to court, your employers may have found out about your pending charges.
Unfortunately, it isn’t uncommon for employers to let people go once they hear about legal trouble. Louisiana is an employment-at-will state, and even though you may be performing well at work, your employer may see your charges and choose to let you go.
The civil problems don’t end at the office. If you have children that attend school locally, they may face harassment or discrimination from teachers.
You and your family deserved to be treated with dignity during your case, and a lawyer can help ensure that happens. If you or your loved ones find that the fallout from your charges is causing problems, a lawyer can help protect you.
Manage Paperwork
Paperwork might be the last thing on your mind if you’re facing drug charges, but the importance of filing the right documents can’t be overstated when you’re dealing with the legal system.
You’ll have your day in court, but when it comes down to it, your case is nothing more than a large stack of papers in a county clerk’s office. Forgetting to sign your initials, putting down the wrong date, or simply forgetting to turn in something can have drastic consequences for your case.
The last thing you want is for your freedom to be jeopardized because of one missing sheet of paper. A good lawyer can help keep everything organized and help ensure that you don’t miss a filing date or forget to leave your signature.
Understand Potential Plea Deals
There’s a reason why plea deals have become so controversial in the United States. At first, they were seen as the best possible outcome for people facing criminal charges. Now it isn’t uncommon for them to be the best possible outcome for prosecutors and prison systems.
It’s important to never agree to a plea deal until you understand everything it entails. Certain plea deals may allow you to avoid jail time or receive a reduced sentence but still force you to pay heavy fines, lose assets, or even have professional licenses revoked.
When you work with a lawyer, you’ll have somebody that truly understands if the plea deal is in your best interest. They’ll be able to think critically about the situation and determine what your best outcome is.
Prepare for the Worst
A good lawyer doesn’t just help clients fight their cases and prepare for court. They’re able to think ahead and think about the best way to help clients and their families if a conviction happens.
Sometimes jail is unavoidable with certain charges, especially for drug charges that come with mandatory sentences. Being in jail for a few months or a few years can have big consequences for you and your family. Make sure you have someone on your side that can help you in a worst-case scenario.
The right lawyer can help you figure out how your family can maintain their assets and property while you’re serving your sentence. If you have trouble with addiction, they might be able to help make treatment a part of your sentence.
Hiring a Lawyer the Right Way
When you’re thinking about hiring a lawyer, don’t just think about someone that’s going to be with you while you’re in court. You’re going to want to find a lawyer that can fight for your rights and try to get the best possible outcome for you and your family.
If you’re ready to work with skilled lawyers on your case, we’re ready to help. Please contact us today so we can talk about the best way to handle your drug trafficking charge in Louisana.
