Drug charges
What was found, and how it was found
A drug charge begins with a stop, a search or a tip. Before we talk about a plea we read the report and the video, and ask whether the officer had a reason to stop you, a lawful basis to search the car or the home, and a proper way of asking the questions that led to your arrest.
We take possession, paraphernalia, intent to distribute and drug charges that came out of a traffic stop. If your case is in federal court, we will say so on the first call and point you to a lawyer who takes those.
We take
Possession and paraphernalia
Intent to distribute
Charges that began at a traffic stop
The first thirty days
This is the order the work goes in, whatever the substance and whatever the amount.
- 01
Step 1: The papers
You send the charging document, the bond papers and any property receipt. We tell you in writing which fee applies.
- 02
Step 2: Discovery
We ask the prosecutor for the police report, body camera video and lab results, and read all of it.
- 03
Step 3: The stop and the search
We check why you were stopped and on what basis anything was searched, and whether a motion is worth filing.
- 04
Step 4: Your options
You get a written summary: the evidence, the offers on the table, and what each choice could mean for you.
What the fee covers
What the fee covers for a drug charge
The same two flat fees as on the main fee page. Which one applies depends on how the charge is written.
Possession or paraphernalia
A misdemeanor-level charge in county or municipal court.
Discovery requested and read, video included
A motion to suppress, if there is a basis for one
Every hearing up to a plea, a dismissal or a ruling
Intent to distribute or felony possession
A felony charge in district court.
A written case plan after we read discovery
Preliminary hearing prepared and argued
Motions to suppress written and argued
A jury trial is its own flat fee, and lab retests and expert witnesses are billed apart. Our flat fee pays for legal work. Court costs, fines, restitution, bond and expert fees are paid to others; we name each one and its amount before it is spent.
Drug charge questions, answered plainly
Will I go to jail on a first drug charge?
We cannot promise any outcome. It depends on the charge, your record and the evidence. After we read the file we tell you, in writing, the range of outcomes we see, so you can decide with real information.
The officer searched my car. Does that matter?
It can. Searches have rules, and a search that broke them can keep evidence out of the case. It is the first thing we check.
Should I talk to the police again?
Not until you have talked to a lawyer. A friendly conversation is still an interview, and anything you say can be used.
What about a diversion or treatment program?
Some courts offer one for some charges. We tell you whether yours does, what it asks of you, and how it compares with going forward with the case.
Have your papers ready for a free call
A phone photo of the charge and the bond papers is enough. We read them before we talk.