Drug possession charges can carry severe legal consequences, including jail time, fines, and a criminal record that can negatively impact your future opportunities. However, there are several surprising defenses that can be used to fight these charges and protect your rights. In this article, we will explore five surprising defenses for drug possession charges that you may not have known existed.
Defense #1: Lack of Knowledge
One potential defense for drug possession charges is the lack of knowledge of the drug's presence. For example, if you borrowed a friend's car and unknowingly had drugs in your possession, you may be able to argue that you did not know the drugs were there. However, this defense requires strong evidence to support your claim of ignorance, such as a lack of prior drug use or knowledge of the drug's appearance.
Defense #2: Unlawful Search and Seizure
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches and seizures. If law enforcement officers conducted an unlawful search and seizure, any evidence obtained during the search may be inadmissible in court. For example, if an officer searched your car without a warrant or probable cause, any drugs found during the search may be excluded from evidence.
Defense #3: Medical Necessity
In some cases, individuals may possess drugs for medical reasons, such as the use of marijuana for medical treatment. If you have a medical condition that requires the use of a controlled substance, you may be able to argue medical necessity as a defense. However, this defense typically requires a doctor's prescription and a valid medical reason for the possession of the drug.
Defense #4: Entrapment
Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce an individual to commit a crime that they otherwise would not have committed. For example, an officer may persuade someone to purchase drugs by posing as a drug dealer. If you can prove that you were induced to commit the crime by law enforcement officers, you may be able to use entrapment as a defense.
Defense #5: Duress or Coercion
In some cases, individuals may be forced to possess drugs against their will. For example, someone may threaten you with harm if you do not carry drugs for them. If you can prove that you were acting under duress or coercion, you may be able to use this as a defense in your drug possession case.
Conclusion
Drug possession charges can have severe legal consequences, but there are several surprising defenses that can be used to protect your rights and fight the charges against you. These defenses include lack of knowledge, unlawful search and seizure, medical necessity, entrapment, and duress or coercion. However, it is important to work with an experienced criminal defense attorney to build a strong defense strategy that is tailored to the specific circumstances of your case.
At DeLimon Law, we are committed to providing dedicated and effective legal representation to clients facing drug possession charges. Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of the law and are prepared to fight for your rights and defend your freedom. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can help you build a strong defense against drug possession charges.