Ogden Drug Crime Attorney
Comprehensive Legal Representation for Drug Possession, Distribution, and Trafficking in Salt Lake City, UT
Here in Utah all drug laws are taken very seriously. If you have been arrested for a drug crime you will face serious and sometimes life-altering penalties. The drug crime defense attorneys at Stevens & Gailey, PLLC will be there to help guide you through the complex court procedure. The severity depends on the details of your charge(s), which can range from a basic possession charge to selling and distributing illegal drugs. These charges can result in misdemeanor and/or felony charges that can permanently impact your life in a negative way and ruin your future.
With so much weighing on your future, you should not waste even a moment in hiring the best criminal defense attorney in the Utah area. At Stevens & Gailey PC the attorneys have an in-depth knowledge of Utah drug crime laws. They will ensure that your rights are protected and that you can have the best possible outcome from your situation.
If you're facing drug crime charges in Utah, don't wait. Contact the experienced Ogden drug crime attorneys at Stevens & Gailey, PLLC for a free consultation today. We’ll help you navigate the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome. Call (801) 761-2124 now to get started on your defense.
Common Drug Crimes in Utah
There are a variety of drug crimes that you could be charged with in Utah, and each comes with its own set of legal consequences. These charges can range from simple possession to more serious offenses such as trafficking or manufacturing. Below are some common types of drug offenses that an Ogden drug crime lawyer frequently deals with:
- Drug Possession: Drug possession is one of the most common drug crimes in Utah. If you are found in possession of illegal drugs, you could face serious penalties, including jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record.
- Drug Distribution and Trafficking: Drug distribution or trafficking refers to the selling, transporting, or distributing drugs. This offense is typically classified as a felony and carries far more severe penalties than simple possession.
- Drug Manufacturing: Drug manufacturing charges are typically brought when authorities find that an individual has been involved in the production or cultivation of illegal drugs. Manufacturing drugs such as methamphetamine, cocaine, or marijuana can lead to felony charges and harsh penalties.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute: If you are caught with a large quantity of drugs or drugs packaged in a way that suggests you intend to sell them, you may be charged with possession with intent to distribute. This offense is often prosecuted as a felony, and the penalties depend on the type and quantity of drugs involved.
- Drug Paraphernalia: Possessing drug paraphernalia such as pipes, bongs, syringes, or scales is also a crime in Utah. The penalties for possession of drug paraphernalia are generally less severe than possession of drugs themselves, but a conviction still carries serious consequences.
- Prescription Drug Crimes: Prescription drug abuse is a growing problem across the country, and Utah is no exception. Individuals who illegally possess or distribute prescription medications such as oxycodone, Xanax, or Adderall can face serious drug crime charges. Prescription fraud or doctor shopping, which involves obtaining multiple prescriptions from different doctors for the same drug, is also illegal and can result in criminal charges.
Examples of Utah’s Drug Laws
If you are facing drug crime charges in Utah, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible. The consequences of a conviction can be life-altering, but with the help of an experienced Ogden drug crime attorney, you can protect your future and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Schedule I and II Drugs
These drugs can carry the worst charges. These drugs consist of meth, heroin, opium, cocaine, and morphine. Even a simple possession charge can result in a third-degree felony. If there is any suspicion that you intended to distribute any of the drugs the charge is elevated to a second-degree felony. This can come with a prison sentence of up to 15 years with a hefty fine of at least $10,000.
Prescription Drugs
Due to skyrocketing numbers, Utah is narrowing its defenses on the abuse of prescription such as painkillers and antidepressants. Even as a first-time offender being caught with prescription medication that does not belong to you, such as Lortab, Percocet, or Oxycodone, will result in automatically being charged with a Class B misdemeanor. Even something as innocent as taking a prescription medication from a concerned family member for a headache or back pain can cause you to end up in jail for at least 6 months. The prosecution can charge you with a third-degree felony if you are caught selling or having intent to sale illegal prescription medications, with this comes a punishment of up to five years in state prison and a fine of at least $5,000.
Marijuana/Weed/Cannabis
Although a quite a few of the states have started to legalize marijuana for medicinal and/or recreational use, Utah is not one of them. Utah has very severe laws concerning marijuana. Law enforcement will most likely arrest you if you are caught with any amount of weed in your possession. The severity of your charge will depend on how much marijuana you are caught with. Less than 100lbs is technically a Class B misdemeanor. This can come with a sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Selling and distributing weed is a second-degree felony that comes with up to five years in prison as well as a tremendously heavy fine.
Driven by integrity, compassion, & commitment Why Choose Stevens & Gailey, PLLC?
-
Trusted AdvisorsWhether facing complex legal challenges or high-value disputes, you need a firm you can trust. With extensive experience and a reputation for excellence, we are here to guide you through every step with confidence and expertise.
-
Unwavering CommitmentYour success is our priority. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to deliver the best possible outcomes, offering personalized attention and a strategic approach that’s always focused on your needs.
-
Tailored StrategiesHandling complex, high-stakes cases requires a deep understanding of financial intricacies. We specialize in managing high-net-worth cases, crafting personalized legal strategies designed to protect your assets and interests.
-
Bilingual Legal ExpertiseWe’re proud to offer legal services in both English and Spanish. Our bilingual team ensures that language is never a barrier to receiving top-tier legal representation, providing clear communication for all our clients.
Potential Defenses Against Drug Charges
If you are charged with a drug crime in Utah, there are several defense strategies that an experienced Ogden drug crime lawyer can employ to fight the charges. Some of the common defense strategies used in drug cases include:
- Lack of Probable Cause: If law enforcement officers did not have probable cause to search your vehicle or home, any evidence they collected during that search may be inadmissible in court. An attorney can file a motion to suppress evidence if they believe that the search was conducted illegally.
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: If the police conducted an illegal search or seizure of evidence, the evidence collected may be excluded from trial. A lawyer can argue that your constitutional rights were violated and work to have the charges dismissed or reduced.
- Inaccurate Identification: In some cases, the drugs found during an arrest may not belong to you. An attorney can argue that the drugs were planted, or that there was a mistake in identifying you as the owner.
- False Allegations: If the charges against you are based on false accusations or misunderstandings, your attorney can work to show that you were falsely implicated. A defense lawyer can investigate the facts and present evidence to discredit the allegations.
- Entrapment: In certain cases, law enforcement officers may induce or encourage a person to commit a crime that they would not have otherwise committed. If entrapment is a defense in your case, an attorney can work to prove that you were coerced into committing the crime.
- Medical or Prescription Defense: For charges involving prescription drugs, a defense strategy may include proving that the drugs were legally prescribed to you. If you have a valid prescription for the drugs you are accused of possessing, it may be possible to have the charges dismissed.
Don’t Hesitate and Waste Precious Time - Contact Our Ogden Drug Crimes Defense Attorney Now
The selling, trafficking, and abuse of any and all drugs in Utah is considered and very serious crime to which the courts will prosecute to the fullest extent of the law. If you are charged with doctor shopping, possession, prescription charges, possession with the intent to sale, or any other similar drug charge you can spend anywhere from five years to life locked up. The attorney's at Stevens & Gailey, PLLC are here to help so that you don’t lose more precious moments in life than you have to. If you have been charged with a Utah drug crime please call us right away to set up your initial consultation and start making a game plan immediately. Time is of the essence, don’t lose more by waiting too long call.
Don’t face drug crime charges alone. Call (801) 761-2124 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a trusted Ogden drug crime attorney.
