What's the best drug possession defense strategy for your case?

You've been caught with an illegal drug, charged with a serious crime and are now faced with a variety of potential consequences. As scary as it may be, it's imperative to take a step back and realize there is a drug possession defense strategy you can use to reduce the likelihood of a conviction.

As with any crime, the defense strategy you use depends on the circumstances surrounding your case. While you compare your options to better understand what to do next, here are some commonly employed drug possession defense strategies.

• You don't know where the drugs came from: In short, this is the same as saying you didn't commit the crime because you didn't know about the drugs. For example, if you're charged with the possession of drugs after police find them in your house, you could argue that a recent visitor brought them onto your property without your knowledge or permission.
• Unlawful search and seizure: The Constitution could be your best friend after a drug possession arrest. For example, if an officer performed an unlawful search and seizure, such as prying open your trunk during a traffic stop, the evidence collected could be thrown out by the court.
• Inconclusive lab tests: A substance may appear to be an illicit drug when in actuality it's legal to possess. The results of lab tests are always worth considering, as you never know when an officer could make a mistake. This goes hand-in-hand with any breaks along the chain of custody, such as the misplacement of the drugs on the way to the lab.

The consequences associated with a drug possession conviction can turn your life upside down, especially if you're hit with a serious punishment such as jail time. Not only can a conviction impact your personal life, but it can also do the same to your career and finances.

Rather than hope for the best when your day in court arrives, prepare in advance by learning more about possible drug possession defense strategies. This will lead you to the one that best protects your legal rights, thus putting you in position to avoid a conviction.