Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer in Lake County IN

Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer in Lake County IN

Just being accused of drug-related offenses can disrupt your life in many ways. You will likely be arrested, have to appear at numerous court dates, and more. A criminal case can cause you to miss work, and it can affect your reputation. However, the impact becomes much more severe if you are convicted of the allegations against you. 

Indiana law sets out harsh penalties for drug offenders – whether you are charged with simple possession or trafficking. Drug convictions come with serious penalties, which can be costly in terms of your finances, your freedom, and your future. With so much at stake, it is imperative that you have a highly experienced drug crimes defense lawyer in Lake County, IN, handling your case. At the Law Offices of Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, we aggressively defend against drug charges our clients face, so please contact us directly so we can review your situation.

Possible Penalties of Drug Convictions in Lake County

One reason that drug charges are so serious is the penalties that you might possibly face for a conviction are particularly severe. The following are some potential charges and sentences for certain possession allegations:

• Possession of fewer than 30 grams of marijuana = Misdemeanor charge, 60 days in jail, and $1,000 fine
• Possession of fewer than three grams of cocaine or methamphetamine = Felony charge, six months to three years of imprisonment, and $10,000 fine
• Possession of heroin, ecstasy, or LSD = Felony charge, six months to three years of imprisonment, and $10,000 fine

These penalties and charges can be significantly enhanced if you have prior drug convictions, were accused of distributing or trafficking drugs, had drugs near a school zone, and other aggravating circumstances.

In addition to possible imprisonment and costly fines, having a drug conviction on your permanent record can wreak havoc throughout your life. Some additional consequences you might face include:

• Loss of a job
• Difficulty finding new employment
• Losing a professional license or security clearance
• Expulsion from collegiate institutions
• Denial of higher education programs
• Ineligibility for federal financial aid
• Difficulty finding rental housing
• Possible removal or deportation proceedings against non-citizens

All of these can persist long after your court-ordered sentence ends, so there is certainly more than jail time or fines on the line.

How a Strong Drug Defense Attorney Can Help

There are many ways to defend against drug charges, and our attorneys will identify all possible defenses in your case. Some common defense strategies include:

• Excluding evidence due to constitutional violations by police officers
• Challenging circumstantial evidence of constructive possession
• Identifying forensic lab errors
• Challenging alleged aggravating factors
• Qualifying clients for conditional discharge or alternative sentencing
• Negotiating a favorable plea bargain

Contact a Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer in Lake County IN for Help Right Away

The Law Offices of Arshad, Pangere & Warring, LLP, takes on all types of drug-related cases, and we fight against convictions for our clients in every way possible. If you were arrested and need assistance, contact us to learn how a drug crimes defense lawyer in Lake County, IN, can help.