Drug Charges in Indiana: Legal Defenses and Strategies

The state of Indiana takes drug-related offenses very seriously. While being charged with a drug crime can turn your life upside down, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options. An experienced drug defense lawyer in Dyer, IN, will assess your case, employ the appropriate strategies, and fight for the best possible outcome.

Drug Laws in Dyer, IN

Indiana classifies controlled substances into five schedules according to abuse potential and accepted medical use. Schedule I drugs, like heroin and LSD, carry more severe punishments than Schedule V substances, which include prescription medicines such as codeine.

Penalties vary by the type and quantity of drugs involved in your case. A felony drug charge can lead to incarceration, fines, and damage to your personal and professional life.

Common Strategies Used by Your Drug Defense Lawyer

Unlawful Search and Seizure

The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches. Your attorney may argue that the evidence against you is inadmissible in court if law enforcement obtained it through an illegal search or without a valid warrant.

Lack of Possession or Knowledge

To secure a conviction in a drug crime case, the prosecution needs to prove intent to distribute the drugs or that you knowingly possessed them. If drugs were found in a vehicle you were in but didn’t belong to you, your lawyer could argue that you weren’t aware of the illegal substances.

Police Entrapment

Law enforcement sometimes engages in tactics that border on entrapment, especially during undercover operations. Your lawyer may argue entrapment as a defense if police officers’ involvement led to you committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have.

Chain of Custody Errors

The prosecution must show that the drugs were adequately handled from the time of seizure to the time of trial. Your attorney may argue to exclude the evidence if there are any errors in how it was collected, stored, or transferred.

Improper Drug Testing Procedures

Accurate testing is necessary for the prosecution to prove that the seized substances are the illicit drugs you’ve been accused of possessing. A skilled attorney may challenge the accuracy of drug tests if there is suspicion of contamination or unreliable lab results.

Alternative Sentencing Options

Negotiating a Plea Bargain

While not ideal, a plea bargain can reduce charges, result in a lower sentence, and help you avoid a lengthy public trial. Based on how strong the prosecution’s case is, your lawyer can advise and help you decide whether a plea deal is the right option for you.

Qualifying for a Diversion Program

First-time and non-violent offenders may avoid a criminal conviction by attending a diversion program. The court may require you to commit to a drug treatment program and counseling instead of going to jail. Alternative options such as probation, house arrest, or community services may also be available based on your charges.

Drug laws in the Hoosier state are complex. You want a devoted attorney to fight in your corner when facing criminal charges. Call Tanzillo Stassin & Babcock P.C. in Dyer, IN, today to schedule your free consultation. We serve clients from all over the Northern Indiana area at our Dyer and Merrillville offices. 

Tags: criminal defense lawyer, drug defense lawyer
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