While drug addiction is increasingly seen as a public health problem, drug arrests are still common. In fact, there are more than a million drug arrests each year. This means that for many teens or young people who have a drug addiction, use drugs recreationally or are making poor choices around the sale or distribution of drugs, there’s a very real possibility they could face arrest and prosecution for their actions.
Drug crimes and punishments vary tremendously based on factors teens and young adults may not always understand. The drug type is important, but the amount in possession also plays a large part in sentencing and possible punishments. In serious cases, young people can face years of prison time, restrictive probation and overwhelming fines. A criminal record including drug charges may create problems with employers for years to come.
At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we’re dedicated to helping clients handle drug charges in an aggressive, proactive manner. We work to make sure that a drug charge doesn’t derail a promising future. When you retain a Cherokee County Drug lawyer, you have the experience and compassion you need to fight for a positive case outcome.
Federal and state laws prohibit the possession, distribution, manufacture and trafficking of controlled substances, including marijuana, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and pharmaceuticals obtained without a doctor’s prescription.
Drug crimes frequently fall under the jurisdiction of both federal and state courts, depending on what laws were violated. In certain circumstances, the young person may be tried in both courts. The amount of controlled substances and other circumstances involved determine whether the drug offense is classified as a felony or misdemeanor, as well as the severity of the penalties, fines and possible prison terms. Further state punishment for a drug conviction may include a driver’s license suspension.
The moment the police begin questioning you or you are accused of a drug crime, you need legal help. Our dedicated attorneys in Cherokee County are available to represent clients charged with drug crimes including:
When sentences are steep, our first goal is always to avoid or lessen prison time. In any situation, though, we also look to minimize the impact the charges may have on your future.
This may be done with a drug crime defense. Successful defenses often question the legality of the search or stop where the officers first found drugs. Officers must have a valid reason for pulling over a vehicle or searching a home. In a constructive possession case, an attorney may argue that you were truly unaware there were drugs inside a borrowed car or a friend’s backpack at your home.
Sometimes, a drug defense attorney can have charges reduced, arguing, for example, that you only possessed a substance for personal use with no intent to distribute.
In other situations, a drug defense attorney can keep the case out of the criminal justice system entirely. First-time offenders sometimes qualify for diversion programs. These programs allow you to perform alternative retribution, like community service, or attend drug counseling. If you are able to meet all of the requirements of the program, you will not be charged and will avoid having a criminal record. A knowledgeable lawyer in Cherokee County could help you determine whether alternative sentencing options apply to your case.
Any drug charge is serious and requires a well thought out approach to avoid disastrous long-term consequences. Without proactive representation focused on protecting your future, you’re at an increased risk for a criminal record and the problems it can bring to your life.
We work with clients to:
Once we have this strategy in place and you have a full understanding of it, our Cherokee County attorneys take the steps necessary to implement the drug charge strategy you approve.
If you are charged with a drug offense, you need the best representation to assess your case and help you protect your rights. You should not attempt to resolve your case alone since this could have a significant impact on your future.
Paul stands above others in this profession due to his ease of accessibility and bulldog persistence in working for his clients. While it’s sometimes hard to get other attorneys on the phone, you can always count on a call back or contact from Paul when you need it. His intelligent, thorough research of our previous issue made him stand out in the crowd and helped guarentee the best outcome of our case.” – R.B.
At Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm, we specialize in protecting your future by reducing, defending against or eliminating your drug charges. Please contact us today to arrange an initial consultation with a Cherokee County Drug Lawyer. If you aren’t ready to schedule your consultation, then click here to download our complimentary ebook “5 Things Not to Do When You’ve Been Charged with a Crime” to learn what you need to know to start protecting your future.
Ghanouni Teen & Young Adult Defense Firm
N/a 
