This post concludes and recaps my series on the handling of drug-related charges in Austin, Texas. I felt it was necessary to write on this topic due to the fact that many individuals feel that there is “nothing they can do” after an arrest. The fact of the matter, however, is that there are options available to those who are accused of a crime. The goal of my last several articles has been to provide information which will help people to understand those options. It has also been my goal to provide information which will help people make an informed decision when they are selecting a criminal defense lawyer. If you or a loved one have been arrested then contact my office today to speak with an attorney.
I have addressed multiple subjects over my recent articles. Matters which I have analyzed include:
- How an illegal search and seizure will impact drug charges
- When the police may use a drug-sniffing dog
- Challenging law enforcement’s use of confidential informants
- Handling prescription-drug related charges
- Handling cases involving heroin or methamphetamine
There are multiple reasons why I chose to discuss these issues. First, it is not uncommon for law enforcement officers to violate a suspect’s rights while making an arrest. Such a violation, depending on the circumstances, many lead to the dismissal of a drug case. Second, the extent to which officers may use a drug-sniffing canine is limited by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Rodriguez decision. Third, if a confidential information is shown to be unreliable then information obtained, as a result of their statements to officers, may possibly be excluded from Court. Fourth, many make the mistake of thinking that offenses involving prescription substances are “no big deal.” Prosecutors, however, take such matters very seriously. Finally, both prosecutors and judges show little patience for those who are arrested with heroin or methamphetamine and it is important to mount a strong defense.
One point that I stressed through each of these articles is that you should contact a defense attorney as soon as possible if you or a loved one have been arrested. A conviction can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. By hiring counsel sooner, rather than later, you provide yourself with a greater opportunity to defend the charges. I have been licensed since 1995 and am board certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in criminal law. Contact my office today to speak with a lawyer. Our firm also serves the cities of Rollingwood, Round Rock, Elgin, Jonestown, Manor, Bee Cave, Lago Vista, Sunset Valley, Lakeway, Creedmoor, Georgetown, Cedar Park, Leander, and San Marcos, Texas.