How Do You Pick the Best Lawyer for a Drug Charge?

The Freehold Drug Offense Lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. Represent Clients Facing Drug Charges

If you have been charged with a drug crime in New Jersey, you could be facing severe consequences. Penalties for drug crimes can range from steep fines to a lengthy prison sentence, so it is crucial that you find the best drug offense lawyer to handle your case. While this may seem like an overwhelming process, you can take steps to find a highly skilled and dedicated drug offense lawyer.

The first and most important step when facing drug charges is to hire the best drug offense lawyer you can afford. Keep the following tips in mind as you navigate this process:

  • Understand your charges. You should have a general understanding of the charges brought against you. The following are examples of questions you should be prepared to answer:
    • Were you brought up on misdemeanor or felony charges?
    • What type of drugs were you accused of possessing or handling?
    • Do you have a criminal record?
    • Were you previously charged with drug crimes?
    • What information did you willingly provide to law enforcement?
    • Were you found with drug paraphernalia on your person?
  • Ask for referrals. Ask friends and family members if they have had experience working with a drug offense lawyer and if they would recommend a particular lawyer or firm.
  • Contact your local bar association. This is another great resource for finding a lawyer who handles drug offense cases in your area.
  • Attend free consultations. Many drug offense lawyers offer free consultations, where you can ask questions to determine whether they fit you.

What Traits Should You Look for in a Drug Offense Lawyer?

A successful drug offense case will highly depend on how experienced and skillful your legal team is, so it is in your best interest to find a lawyer who has the following traits:

  • Proven track record. You want a drug offense lawyer who has worked on several drug-related cases with successful outcomes.
  • Focus in drug cases. Ensure you work with a drug offense lawyer who focuses on drug-related cases and has access to forensic scientists, substance abuse experts, private investigators, and others.
  • Excellent reputation. Most law firms have a testimonial section on their website, where you can find out what other clients say about a particular lawyer. You can verify these testimonials by looking at third-party platforms.
  • Strong communication skills. Your drug offense lawyer should explain the nature of the charges and the defense strategy in a way you understand. They should address any questions or concerns you may have and provide emotional and practical support throughout the process.
  • Thorough understanding of the court system. Your drug offense lawyer must have the experience to recommend the most effective defense strategy based on the judge presiding over the case.
  • Attention to detail. An experienced drug offense lawyer will thoroughly examine the evidence against you, identify areas of weakness in the prosecution’s case, and create the most effective defense strategy.
  • Highly skilled negotiator. If the evidence is not in your favor, it is up to your drug offense lawyer to negotiate on your behalf. For example, your lawyer may request a plea deal, where you plead guilty in exchange for a more lenient sentence. There are other options your lawyer may recommend that will result in a more lenient sentence.

The Freehold Drug Offense Lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. Represent Clients Facing Drug Charges

If you or someone you love has been charged with a drug-related offense, it is highly recommended that you contact the Freehold drug offense lawyers at Lyons & Associates, P.C. at your earliest convenience. We will work to protect your legal rights and determine the most effective defense strategy based on the charges brought against you. To schedule a free, confidential consultation, call us today at 908-575-9777 or contact us online. Our offices are located in Somerville, Morristown, and Freehold, New Jersey, where we serve clients in Monmouth County, Mercer County, and Burlington County.