Being charged with a drug-related crime can significantly impact your life — and a conviction can result in serious consequences. Not only can your liberty and livelihood be affected if you’re found guilty of drug possession, trafficking, or distribution, but there may be many other life-altering ramifications. The Graham Law Firm PLLC is committed to providing effective representation for criminal defense matters and protecting the Constitutional rights of clients who may be facing charges for a wide array of drug-related offenses.
If criminal charges for a drug-related crime have been brought against you, it’s crucial to understand that you have certain rights guaranteed by the Constitution — and the prosecution has the burden of proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Importantly, having the representation of a skilled criminal defense attorney can make all the difference to the outcome of your case.
The Graham Law Firm represents clients for many types of drug-related crimes in Arkansas and Missouri, including:
A former public defender, Attorney Lauren Graham, has a deep understanding of not only the law but the strategies the prosecution will use and the arguments they will raise. With the Graham Law Firm on your side, you can rest assured that you have an attorney fighting for you who has the knowledge and experience necessary to secure the best possible result in your case.
Drug crimes in Missouri and Arkansas can be complex. With each crime, there are specific elements that must be satisfied in order for the prosecution to convict. Generally, the severity of the punishment is determined by the type of substance involved, the quantity, and whether you have a prior criminal record.
Both Arkansas and Missouri separate drugs into “schedules” categorized by the level of dangerousness and the probability of addiction. Schedule I contains drugs that are not considered to have any medical uses and have a high risk of abuse, including opiates and hallucinogenic substances. The drugs classified under Schedule II also have a high potential for abuse but are considered to have some medical purpose, such as cocaine and methamphetamine. Schedule III, IV, and V substances are less likely to be addictive but are still controlled substances.
Arkansas and Missouri also have some of the strictest laws in the country regarding marijuana. While both jurisdictions passed legislation legalizing medical marijuana, recreational use of the drug remains illegal.
Arkansas and Missouri take drug crimes very seriously. No matter the strength of the evidence that might stand against you, Attorney Lauren Graham will meticulously assess the facts and circumstances to uncover any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and mount the best possible defense.
Penalties for a drug-related crime conviction vary widely. Additionally, in Arkansas and Missouri, you not only can face criminal charges for illegal drug possession, but also for possessing prescription drugs without a valid prescription.
If you’ve been accused of drug possession in Missouri, you will likely face a felony charge. Even the lowest level felony for possession of a controlled substance — Class D — can result in a sentence of up to seven years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Although most drug crimes are charged as felonies in Missouri, there is an exception for drug possession cases involving 35 grams or less of marijuana — these crimes are generally charged as Class A misdemeanors in the state.
In addition, drug trafficking crimes in Missouri can come with much harsher penalties. Drug trafficking can be classified as a Class A felony carrying a penalty of 10 years to life in prison, or a Class B felony punishable by 5-15 years of incarceration, depending on the quantity.
The penalties for drug-related crimes are just as severe in Arkansas. Possession of Schedule III, IV, or V drugs may be punishable by a Class A misdemeanor up to a Class B felony carrying 20 years in prison, based on the quantity of the drug. Marijuana possession may be charged as a misdemeanor all the way up to a Class A felony with up to 30 years of jail time and a $15,000 fine, depending on the amount possessed, and whether you have a prior criminal history.
Class A misdemeanors in Arkansas can result in up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,500. The most serious drug offenses are charged as Class Y felonies which can result in life in prison if you’re found guilty. To determine the appropriate sentence, Arkansas courts use a sentencing grid that factors in the severity of the crime and any prior criminal record.
Regardless of the charges you are facing, it’s critical to have a drug crime lawyer by your side who can protect your rights. The Graham Law Firm provides unwavering advocacy and an aggressive defense for those accused of drug-related crimes.
Being arrested for a drug crime can be a frightening experience. However, specific legal procedures must have been followed by law enforcement in order for the state to prosecute the case. If you weren’t given a Miranda warning prior to interrogation, or the police obtained a confession through coercion, your Constitutional rights may have been violated — and the evidence against you may have to be dismissed.
Whether the drugs in question didn’t belong to you or the police didn’t obtain a valid search warrant, The Graham Law Firm will investigate every possible defense you may have and assess the best course of action for your case.
Both Missouri and Arkansas offer court-supervised drug treatment programs as an alternative to incarceration to those who are eligible. Generally, these diversion programs are available to first-time offenders who committed non-violent drug-related crimes. Typically, the program may require you to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and random drug testing, attend counseling, and appear in drug court regularly.
Participating in a drug diversion program through the court can potentially help you avoid jail time and any negative impact a conviction could have on your employment opportunities. The Graham Law Firm will diligently evaluate your case and discuss all options that may be available to you — whether it might be entering into a plea bargain with the prosecution, participating in a diversion program, or proceeding to trial.
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime, it’s essential to contact an experienced drug crime lawyer to fight for what’s at stake — your freedom. Attorney Lauren Graham has the insight and intuition required to prepare a comprehensive defense strategy, negotiate favorable plea bargains, and bring even the most complicated cases to trial. Located in Paragould, Arkansas, The Graham Law Firm provides diligent counsel for clients in Arkansas and Missouri who are facing charges for various drug-related crimes. Contact The Graham Law Firm today to schedule a consultation with a trusted defense attorney who will protect your rights.
© 2023 The Graham Law Firm PLLC Legal Disclaimer | Privacy Policy