Any act involving controlled substances could carry significant criminal consequences in Riley County. This is true of possessing drugs, but the penalties are especially steep for transporting, selling, or manufacturing these substances as well.
If you face drug charges in Riley County, it is important to seek out a skilled criminal defense attorney right away. The prosecution will not hesitate to build a case against you, and it is important your attorney has time to develop a strong defense strategy. Let a Riley County drug lawyer advise you on your strategic options.
Understanding State Drug Laws
Kansas state law explicitly prohibits the possession of any substance that is banned by either the state or federal government. This includes a wide range of substances, from marijuana to methamphetamine and even to anabolic steroids. Possession is an example of one of the most common types of drug crimes in the state.
Manufacturing controlled substances is also illegal. These acts could include performing the chemical process necessary to create methamphetamine, or the cultivation of marijuana. In addition to manufacturing, it is also unlawful to sell or transport these drugs.
The drugs themselves are not the only heavily regulated substances under the law. The ingredients that go into some controlled substances—referred to as precursors—are also considered controlled substances.
Most drug crimes are treated as felonies, and all of them carry potential incarceration upon conviction. Given how serious the stakes are, it is important to seek help from a diligent Riley County drug attorney immediately after an arrest.
Thankfully, there are various ways to fight back against a drug charge. Often, the police make mistakes that could result in the evidence used against a defendant being excluded at trial. If retained, a seasoned drug lawyer in Riley County could raise a number of potential defenses.
Unwitting Possession
Any drug offense is a crime of intent. That means in order for the state to secure a conviction, they must show a person was intentionally in possession of a controlled substance. If they had no idea they possessed something illegal, it is not a crime.
Illegal Search and Seizure
The police have limits on when they can seize a person or search their property without a warrant. If the police make an illegal traffic stop or unlawfully search a person’s home, the evidence they find is likely barred from trial. This could eliminate the evidence the state intended to rely on.
Authorization
Prescription medication is still considered to be a controlled substance, and arrests for possessing these drugs are common. However, if a person has a valid prescription, they have a viable defense in a possession case related to that drug.
Mistaken Identity
Not all drug crimes involve the police catching a person in the act. In some cases, the police might make an arrest after an investigation into allegations of drug manufacturing, sale, or transportation. In these cases, it could be possible for the police to mistakenly identify the defendant instead of the actual culprit.
Enlist the Help of a Riley County Drug Attorney
If you were arrested for a drug crime in Riley County, now is the time to seek legal counsel. The consequences of a conviction are serious, but you have the right to fight back.
Defending yourself starts with finding a dedicated legal professional to advocate on your behalf. Reach out to a Riley County drug lawyer at our firm right away.
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