What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for Drug Possession in Florida?
If you’re facing drug crime charges, it’s only natural to feel scared, confused, and completely overwhelmed. A conviction could result in harsh penalties and alter the course of the rest of your life.
With your future hanging in the balance, it’s important that you take time to understand your legal rights and assess your options. It may be possible to fight the charges to have your penalties reduced or the case against you dismissed, but you will need to take certain actions to ensure that you have a strong defense.
In this article, we share a few steps you should follow after a drug possession arrest:
1. Stay Calm and Cooperate with the Officers
Your adrenaline may be pumping, but it’s important to take a deep breath so that you don’t do anything you might regret. Resisting arrest will only make the situation worse as anything you say or do while you’re being arrested could be used against you in court.
However, this doesn’t mean you need to answer the officers’ questions. You have a legal right to remain silent, one you should exercise until you have an attorney present. Even if you believe you’re innocent, your responses could still be misrepresented to secure a conviction.
2. Reach Out to a Criminal Defense Attorney
While you could represent yourself, Florida’s legal system is tricky to navigate and court proceedings require an in-depth understanding of various case laws and statutes that are relevant to your situation. As such, going solo could lead you to make serious mistakes that could turn a possible conviction into a foregone conclusion.
A skilled criminal defense attorney can not only provide aggressive representation at all stages, but can also help guide you through the days ahead. Additionally, he or she can take steps to protect your legal rights, holding anyone who infringes on them accountable for their actions.
3. Lay Low on Social Media
If you’re thinking of posting about the day of the arrest, your charges, or any other aspect related to your case, take a second to consider the potential consequences for sharing such information. It’s important to remember that the prosecutor may be able to use your posts as evidence in the case against you.
In most situations, it’s best to deactivate your social media accounts for the duration of proceedings. However, if you aren’t able to take this step, you should at least reinforce your privacy settings to prevent anyone who isn’t an approved friend or follower from seeing your posts.
Speak to a Drug Crime Lawyer in Port St. Lucie Today
Were you arrested for drug possession or trafficking? Turn to attorney Todd A. Kawecki for advice, guidance, and tailored representation.
Todd develops personalized defense strategies for every case, making sure to leave no stone unturned in his efforts to help his clients secure favorable outcomes. To schedule a free case assessment with a Florida drug crime lawyer, dial 772-485-4500 or head over to our contact page HERE.