There’s a lot of confusion about marijuana use and possession in the United States these days. Some states are removing legal penalties tied to the drug as the public becomes more accepting. Several states have legalized marijuana and others have decriminalized it. However, people who use marijuana need to be aware of differences in state laws. Additionally, possession of marijuana and using the drug is still against federal law. Weed is still illegal in Texas, and lawyers in Austin will tell you that carrying the drug can result in harsh penalties. If you or someone you know is arrested for possession, here are some basic steps you should take.
Find a Good Lawyer in Austin
Getting the right attorney to work your case is key. Not all lawyers are created equal when it comes to dealing with possession cases. Some firms have several years of experience dealing with possession cases. They know the ins and outs of what police have to do to collect evidence and how they will attempt to prove a person’s guilt. Lawyers in Austin who frequently deal with possession cases will be able to provide expert consultation on what to do and how to proceed.
During the Arrest
Police know what they’re doing. They deal with people on a regular basis, so they know how to exploit the pressure of being arrested and charged to their advantage. They’ll come off as being nice people who just want to make your life easier if you work with them. This is a common error many people arrested for possession make. They start talking. The best thing a person can do is to remain silent and ask for an attorney. Anything you provide to police could be used to incriminate you later on. It’s always a better bet to stay silent and let one of your lawyers in Austin do the talking.
Keep Track of Your Version of the Events
It’s vital that you make a personal record of what happened as soon as possible. This will help your lawyers in Austin mount the best defense. It will also help them call witnesses that can help relay what happened. It will help your case if the police officers conducting the arrest have a different version of what happened. Remember, consistency is key in criminal trials, so make sure your version of the events doesn’t change over time. Having a written record you can refer to helps avoid that.
Stephen Bowling & Associates can help you or someone you know fight possession charges in Texas. Our firm is consistently recognized as having the best lawyers in Austin to deal with these kinds of cases. Contact our team to see how we can help.
