What to Know and How to Respond to Drug Charges in Akron

If you’re facing drug charges in Akron, Ohio, it can feel overwhelming. You might be worried about what will happen next and what this means for your future.

Understanding Drug Charges in Ohio

In Ohio, drug charges can vary a lot. They depend on the type of drug, how much you have, and what you’re accused of doing with it (like having it, selling it, or making it). The consequences can range from paying a fine and being on probation to spending years in jail.

Common Defense Strategies

Being charged with a drug crime in Akron, Ohio, can be a stressful and confusing time. Knowing the defense strategies that can be used in your case is crucial.

Here, we’ll walk through some common defense strategies that can be considered. Remember, every case is different, and it’s important to discuss your specific situation with a lawyer.

Questioning How Evidence Was Collected

One of the first things your lawyer will look at is how the police got the evidence against you. There are rules that the police must follow when they collect evidence. For example, they often need a warrant to search your home or car.

If the police didn’t have a good reason (also known as probable cause) to search you or didn’t have the right legal papers, then the evidence they found might not be allowed to be used against you in court. This could be a big help to your case.

Checking the Evidence Itself

After looking at how the evidence was collected, your lawyer will also check how the police handled the drugs they say belong to you. There’s a process that the police have to follow to make sure the evidence is handled correctly and doesn’t get mixed up with anything else.

If there are any mistakes in this process, like if the evidence was left unsecured or if the records don’t match up, these errors could be used to your advantage in court.

Your Rights During Arrest

Another important area your lawyer will explore is whether your rights were respected when you were arrested. The police are required to inform you of certain rights, like your right to remain silent and your right to a lawyer.

If they didn’t tell you these rights, or if they questioned you without a lawyer present after you asked for one, then any statements you made might not be allowed to be used as evidence in court.

Were You Even Aware?

Sometimes, people get charged with drug crimes without even knowing there were drugs in their possession.

For example, you might have borrowed a friend’s car without knowing there were drugs inside. If you didn’t know about the drugs, this could be a key part of your defense. Your lawyer can investigate and argue that you were not aware of the drugs’ presence, which can be a significant factor in your case.

Each Case is Unique

Finally, your lawyer will take a close look at all the details of your case. This means looking at what the prosecution is saying and finding any weak spots or inconsistencies in their story.

Your lawyer’s job is to raise doubts about the case against you, aiming to get the best possible outcome based on your specific situation.

Contact an Akron Drug Charges Lawyer

If you or someone you know is facing drug charges in Akron, Ohio, it’s important to get help fast. Call us at DiCaudo, Pitchford & Yoder at (330) 762-7477 or contact us online.

We’re ready to listen to your story and work with you on your defense.