Drug Crimes

Draper Drug Crime Lawyer

Fighting Drug Crime Charges in Salt Lake City & Surrounding Areas

Drug-related offenses are common criminal charges in Utah. Individuals of all ages and backgrounds can find themselves under arrest for possession of street drugs as well as unauthorized prescriptions.

Nationwide, the FBI reported that drug possession arrests outnumbered all other drug crime cases in 2019, highlighting a persistent issue across the United States. These statistics underscore the importance of understanding drug laws and the potential outcomes of drug-related charges.

Retaining a trusted drug defense lawyer should be a priority if you face a drug charge in or around the Salt Lake County region. At Askar Law PLLC, we understand Utah drug laws and can help you navigate the justice system effectively. Our firm has the resources to investigate the details of your case thoroughly; this enables us to develop a personalized strategy suited to your needs and circumstances.

Our attorney can potentially identify legal alternatives where applicable, such as diversion programs or reduced charges. Using his proven trial skills, he can negotiate with prosecutors or, when necessary, fight for you in the courtroom.

Arrange for a free initial consultation with our Draper drug crimes attorney by calling Askar Law PLLC at (801) 761-4671 or by email from our contact form.

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When facing serious criminal charges, you need a defense team that is both strong and experienced. At Askar Law PLLC, we are here to provide you with the expert legal representation you deserve. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward securing your future. We are ready to stand by your side and fight for your rights.

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Utah Drug Laws

Utah Code Title 58 classifies drugs into schedules based on their potential for abuse, accepted medical use, and safety. These classifications are crucial in determining the charges and penalties associated with possession, distribution, manufacturing, and other drug offenses.

The primary schedules include:

Schedule I: These substances have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. Examples include heroin, LSD, and ecstasy. Possession of even small quantities of these substances can lead to significant legal consequences.
Schedule II: These substances also have a high potential for abuse but can have accepted medical uses. Examples include cocaine, methamphetamine, and opioid painkillers like oxycodone.
Schedules III-V: These categories include drugs with decreasing levels of abuse potential and increasing accepted medical use, ranging from anabolic steroids (Schedule III) to certain benzodiazepines (Schedule IV) and cough preparations with less than 200 mg of codeine per 100 ml (Schedule V).

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Why Choose Askar Law PLLC? Our Commitment to Excellence & Justice

Proven Results
Our criminal defense attorneys have a history of achieving successful outcomes for our clients, utilizing their extensive knowledge and strategic approach to navigate complex legal challenges effectively.
Aggressive Advocacy
Committed to fighting for your freedom, our attorneys employ aggressive defense tactics and thorough case investigation to challenge the prosecution's evidence and secure favorable results.
Personalized Attention
We understand that every case is unique. Our team offers personalized attention and tailored defense strategies to address your specific legal needs and achieve the best possible outcome.
Expert Legal Defense
With years of experience and a track record of success, our dedicated criminal defense attorneys provide expert legal representation to ensure your rights are protected.

Federal vs. State Drug Charges

Drug offenses can be prosecuted at both the state and federal levels, with each jurisdiction having distinct laws and penalties. State drug charges involve violations of Utah laws specific to the substances classified above.

In contrast, federal drug charges are associated with larger-scale operations, such as trafficking across state lines or importing drugs from other countries. The DEA and FBI generally investigate and prosecute these crimes with well-funded government resources. Federal penalties are often more severe, including longer prison sentences and higher fines.

Drug Crimes in Utah

Drug possession is the most common charge and can vary in severity depending on the type and amount of drug involved. Simple possession may be a misdemeanor, whereas possession with intent to distribute can escalate to a felony.
Drug distribution or trafficking involves selling or transferring illegal substances. Charges for distribution are often severe and can include lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines, especially for trafficking significant quantities.
Drug manufacturing pertains to the production of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine or cannabis, in unauthorized operations. Manufacturing charges can lead to felony convictions, particularly if the operation includes minors or is conducted near schools.
Possession of drug paraphernalia is a related charge that covers items used to consume or distribute drugs. It can lead to misdemeanor charges, though accumulating multiple charges can result in harsher penalties.

Penalties for Drug Crimes

Penalties for drug crimes in Utah vary significantly depending on factors such as the type of drug, the quantity involved, and the defendant’s prior criminal history. Misdemeanor charges can result in fines and up to one year in jail, while felony charges could lead to several years in prison, mandatory treatment programs, and substantial fines.

The specific circumstances of the offense, including any aggravating factors, can influence the severity of the sentence, making legal representation crucial for minimizing potential penalties.

What is Drug Possession?

Drug possession is a serious offense in Draper, and the consequences of being convicted can impact many areas of your life, including employment opportunities, housing, and even your future freedom. In Utah, drug possession is often categorized based on the type and amount of the substance in question. Controlled substances, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and even prescription medications like OxyContin or Adderall without a valid prescription, can lead to charges.

If you are caught with illegal drugs in Draper, the charge may be classified as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances of your case. A first-time offense involving a small amount of a controlled substance may result in a misdemeanor charge, but larger quantities or repeated offenses could lead to felony charges. Additionally, the state may consider factors such as proximity to a school or park, which could result in enhanced penalties.

Being charged with drug possession doesn’t automatically mean you will be convicted. There are several defense strategies we may be able to use on your behalf. For example, law enforcement must have conducted the search and seizure of the drugs in a legal manner. If they violated your Fourth Amendment rights, the evidence obtained may be inadmissible in court. Another possible defense is proving that the drugs in question were not in your possession or that you were unaware of their presence.

Additionally, if you were unaware of the drugs in your possession or if someone else placed the drugs in your vehicle or home, this could serve as a valid defense. Our goal is to uncover every possible weakness in the prosecution’s case to ensure you are treated fairly and justly under the law.

Our experienced Draper drug possession attorneys understand how to evaluate the specific details of your case and craft a strong defense. We are committed to protecting your rights and helping you achieve the best possible outcome.

What Do You Need to Know About Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking is treated as a far more severe offense than drug possession in Draper. Trafficking involves the distribution, sale, or transportation of illegal drugs and carries significant penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. Utah has strict laws against drug trafficking, and penalties can vary depending on the type and quantity of the substance involved, as well as whether state or federal charges are brought against you.

One of the most challenging aspects of drug trafficking cases is that the prosecution often works aggressively to secure a conviction. Prosecutors may gather evidence such as wiretaps, surveillance footage, and witness testimony to build a strong case. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced Draper drug trafficking attorney who understands the complexities of these cases and how to challenge the prosecution’s evidence.

Defending against drug trafficking charges requires a thorough investigation into the details of your case. We will examine whether the evidence against you was obtained legally and whether the charges accurately reflect your involvement. Sometimes, individuals are charged with trafficking when, in reality, they were only in possession of a substance for personal use. In other cases, law enforcement may have violated your rights during the investigation.

Evidence That Can Help Fight Drug Charges

When contesting drug charges, various forms of evidence can significantly impact the outcome of a case.

Key types of evidence include:

Search and seizure documentation: Challenging the legality of how evidence was obtained can sometimes lead to the dismissal of charges. Evidence obtained may be deemed inadmissible if law enforcement violated a defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights during a search.
Witness testimonies: Statements from individuals present during the alleged offense can provide context or challenge the prosecution’s version of events.
Drug testing results: Accurate lab results are crucial. Issues such as improper handling or contamination of samples can undermine the reliability of drug evidence.
Documentation of the defendant’s intent: Evidence showing that an individual did not intend to distribute or consume drugs, such as proof of prescription or accidental possession, can be key in mounting a defense.

Each piece of evidence must be critically evaluated to build a compelling defense strategy tailored to the case’s unique circumstances.

Contact Askar Law PLLC for Drug-Related Criminal Charges

Drug charges can have serious consequences, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Navigating the complex legal system alone can be overwhelming and increase your chances of a negative outcome.

A skilled lawyer understands the intricacies of drug laws and can build a strong defense on your behalf, protecting your rights and potentially minimizing penalties. Our attorney has effectively handled countless drug cases in Utah and can put his professional experience to work for you.

Discuss the specifics of your case with our Draper drug crime attorney. Call (801) 761-4671 or reach us online for a complimentary consultation.

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