What To Do When You Are Arrested For A Drug Charge

Ever since the explosion of the “drug culture” of the 1960’s, the divide between law enforcement and the general public’s view towards illegal drugs has become wider and increasingly more volatile. Hunter S. Thompson, a staunch advocate of drug use and its legalization, in his cult classic book, Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas from 1971 made this among other quotes a staple in popular culture, “…once you get locked into a serious drug collection, the tendency is to push it as far as you can” (ii). Thompson’s celebrity status did not, however, keep him above the law as he was the participant in multiple cases involving drugs. As the decades have passed since the early days of “the war on drugs,” the penalties for even small drug charges have increased, so much so that many law makers have begun to question if the merits of such severe penalties are causing more harm than good.

Are penalties becoming less severe?

According the Department of Justice (DOJ), between the years 2001 and 2013, more than 50% of prisoners serving sentences of more than a year in federal facilities were convicted on drug charges. Despite the increased desire by many to reform the laws surrounding drug related convictions, the trend is clearly toward an increased severity in penalties. Regardless of the implications, the drive to prosecute offenders of drug related charges is continuing to rise and has no signs of dropping.

This is my first offense, do I need an attorney?

The popularity of the law on T.V. and in the movies in recent years has given many a false sense of security with the belief that they know enough about the law to make decisions on their own. This type of programming is meant to entertain and has very limited roots in reality. The truth is that regardless of your situation, a drug charge is serious, and can carry with it steep fines and incarceration. Leaving your future in the hands of unsubstantiated assumptions or advice from friends and family is the worst decision you can make. If you are arrested on a drug charge, speak to an attorney who is experienced in your type of case before you speak to anyone else.

Kansas City Criminal Defense Attorneys

Paul Morrison Law knows what to do when defending clients in drug manufacturing, drug sale, drug possession and drug conspiracy cases. To arrange a consultation today, call 913-780-6666 or contact us online.

(ii) Thompson, H. (1998). Fear and loathing in Las Vegas: A savage journey to the heart of the American dream (2nd Vintage Books ed.). New York: Vintage Books.