Providence Drug Crime Lawyer

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Providence Drug Crime Attorney

Being charged with a drug crime is a serious offense. Whether it is a minor possession charge or a major trafficking charge, they all have an effect on those convicted and come with life-altering penalties. Having a Providence drug crime lawyer to help you through the process can have a substantial impact on the outcome of your case following a drug crime charge. A Providence criminal defense lawyer at Ellison Law LLC can help you in this legal process.

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Why Choose Ellison Law LLC?

At Ellison Law LLC, we understand the severity of a drug crime charge. We are committed to offering you the appropriate, solid, tailor-made defense that you need during this time. Located in the heart of Providence, we have a track record of successfully defending drug charges for our clients. We know that your future is on the line, and we can fight for you to obtain the most optimal outcome for your situation.

Types of Drug Crimes

A drug crime typically involves any unlawful activity involving controlled substances. The severity of these offenses varies depending on the offense and the amount of drug involved. Some of the most common types of drug crimes include:

  • Possession: This involves having a controlled substance without a prescription or authorization.
  • Possession with intent to distribute: This involves having controlled substances with the intent to sell or distribute to another person or group of people. This is usually determined by the amount that is found on a person. If a person has large amounts of drugs, law enforcement assumes they are intending to distribute, as it is typically believed to be too much for one person to consume.
  • Manufacturing: This refers to producing drugs illegally, such as unlawful marijuana growth or owning a lab to produce methamphetamines.
  • Trafficking: This is seen as a serious crime as it is usually done on a large scale and involves selling and moving large amounts of drugs, sometimes across state and national lines.

In 2023, the Narcotics Bureau in Providence carried out 153 search warrants, made 125 arrests, and seized 48 firearms, 12 vehicles, and $287,947. The Intelligence and Organized Crime Bureau seized 17.8 kg of narcotics.

Drug Schedules in Rhode Island

In Rhode Island, as well as across the nation, controlled substances are categorized into drug schedules. The schedule of drugs has a large impact on the penalties a person can receive if convicted. Drug schedules are categorized as follows:

  • Schedule I: These drugs have a high potential for abuse with no accepted medical use. Examples of these include heroin or ecstasy. These drugs generally come with the harshest penalties.
  • Schedule II: These have a high potential for abuse and very limited medical use. An example of this is oxycodone.
  • Schedule III: These have a moderate potential for abuse, and medical use is accepted in some cases. An example of this is metabolic steroids.
  • Schedule IV: This has a lower potential for abuse. Examples include Xanax and Valium.
  • Schedule V: These have the lowest potential for abuse and are the most accepted medical use of all the schedules. Some types of cough medicine fall into this category.

Defenses to Drug Crimes

Drug charges require individualized defense strategies, but there are multiple common defenses that can be applied to every case. The defense of illegal search and seizure occurs when law enforcement officers breach Fourth Amendment rights during a search, which could lead to evidence exclusion.

Another common defense is a lack of knowledge, where your attorney can argue that you did not know that drugs were in your possession.

Lab mistakes could lead to wrongful charges because they may identify substances incorrectly. Defendants may claim medical authorization for controlled substances as a defense when they hold a legal prescription for medical marijuana or other drugs.

A defendant can use entrapment as a defense if law enforcement forces them to commit an act they would not have engaged in otherwise.

How a Providence Drug Crime Lawyer Can Help

When facing drug charges, it is essential to hire an experienced attorney. A competent attorney will dispute the evidence presented while negotiating lower charges and seeking alternative sentencing through treatment at The Providence Center or community service programs.

Drug Crime FAQs

Q: How Do You Win a Drug Possession Case?

A: To win a drug possession case in Providence, defendants must challenge the search legality and seizure process, dispute the presented evidence, or demonstrate they did not know about or control the substance. A skilled lawyer can submit motions to exclude illegally acquired evidence while negotiating with prosecutors and delivering persuasive defenses, which can result in the dismissal of the case or an acquittal during trial.

Q: What Is the Most Common Criminal Illegal Drug Charge?

A: The most common criminal illegal drug charge is simple possession. This includes small amounts of a controlled substance, such as cocaine or LSD. While a common offense, these charges can still result in steep penalties, even for first-time offenders, including jail time, hefty fines, community service, and probation. A conviction will also go on your criminal record.

Q: How Much Is a Lawyer in Rhode Island?

A: The cost of a lawyer in Rhode Island depends on a number of different factors, including the nature of the charge and the attorney’s pay structure. Some attorneys charge a flat rate, while others charge by the hour. This amount will vary depending on the attorney. Additionally, simple cases tend to cost less, while those that are more complex or have many charges can cost more as they will require more work from the attorney.

Q: What Is the Minimum Sentence for Drug Possession?

A: In Rhode Island, the minimum sentence for drug possession typically includes penalties, such as probation, mandatory classes, counseling, or other alternatives to jail time, particularly for first-time offenses. However, in more serious cases or in repeat offenses, penalties can include extensive jail time and large fines, among other things. A person’s sentence will depend on the type of drug, the quantity, criminal history, and any additional damage that may have occurred.

Contact Ellison Law LLC Today

If you have been charged with a drug crime, do not delay in seeking legal help. Ellison Law LLC is here to help you through the legal landscape. Contact us today to begin fighting for your rights and your future.

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