There is a lot at stake if you are facing any kind of drug charges. Besides the possibility of time in jail, a conviction may mean a criminal record which is likely to affect your life in several ways.
Therefore, it is in your best interests to go against the charges you are facing. Your defense strategy will influence the outcome of your case, and if successful, you could be looking at reduced charges or a dismissal of your case. If you face drug possession charges, below are some defenses you can rely on.
The evidence was not obtained lawfully
If the evidence was obtained through an illegal search and seizure, it might not be admissible in court. Since the actual drugs are a big part of the prosecution’s case, the charges could be dismissed if your rights under the Fourth Amendment were violated when acquiring the evidence.
You could deny ownership of the drugs
While this may not be a strong defense, you could claim that the drugs do not belong to you. If you can establish that you were not the only one with access to the vehicle or house where the drugs were found, you might cast doubt on the ownership of the drugs. However, keep in mind that the prosecution is only required to show that you had control or access to the drugs in question.
Claiming entrapment
If law enforcement officials used undue pressure and tactics that led you to commit a crime, you could be a victim of entrapment, which is considered an abuse of the justice system. However, it may be complex to prove this since there is usually the element of personal choice when committing a crime.
Make informed decisions
It is important to think through all your actions throughout your trial and arrest. A slight mistake or even an admission of some facts to the police could prove costly. To ensure a favorable outcome in your case, ensure that you are well versed with aspects of the law that could affect your case and explore all the options available for your defense.