The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has a long history of aggressively prosecuting individuals accused of the misuse or distribution of drugs. Drug charges can result in long-term consequences and make it extremely difficult for a person to move forward with their life. If you are facing drug charges in Lowell, you need an aggressive yet compassionate drug defense attorney who understands the state’s complex drug laws and can protect your rights.
At Erkan & Sullivan, P.C., we treat every client like they are family, because we understand how daunting the criminal justice system can be. You deserve a legal advocate who is not afraid of prosecutors or their scare tactics. Meet with our legal team today.
The most common drug charge is drug possession. A person may face drug possession charges if they possess:
If a person is found to have a quantity of drugs that indicates an intent to distribute or sell them, they are likely to be charged with possession with intent to distribute.
A person who is found in a compromising situation that appears to be in the process of moving or distributing drugs may be charged with drug distribution. If the amount of drugs in question reaches a certain amount, the act of moving the drugs may be charged as drug trafficking.
Even if a person does not have any drugs on their person or their property, they may still be charged with possession of drug paraphernalia. This charge includes many products and substances that may appear to be used primarily for ingesting, hiding, or transporting illicit drugs.
Given the wide range of drug offenses, it is essential to work with our Lowell attorney who will fight tooth and nail to secure favorable results for clients facing serious charges.
Many of the aforementioned drug charges can carry more severe penalties or consequences in Lowell if it appears the intent to distribute or sell the drugs is directed toward persons under the age of 18. If the offense occurs near a school, it may also warrant more severe consequences. These enhancements can significantly increase the potential sentence a defendant may face.
Some charges qualify for federal drug crimes. If a person already has a record of drug-related charges, they can expect to face harsher sentencing. If an individual does not enlist the help of a defense attorney, they run the risk of receiving a harsh sentence they may have otherwise been able to avoid. In many cases, mandatory minimums apply, removing the judge’s ability to tailor a sentence based on the unique facts of the case.
The state of Massachusetts has developed a pattern of mandating minimum sentences for crimes related to drugs, which often results in life-changing consequences, even from relatively minor or first-time offences. These mandatory minimums restrict judges from considering context, personal history, or the specific facts of the case.
Judicial discretion is limited, and many defendants have been startled and saddened to face the reality that Massachusetts has some of the most severe penalties for drug offenses in the entire U.S. Even when evidence is weak or charges are inflated, prosecutors may still pursue maximum penalties, leaving defendants feeling powerless without strong legal representation.
It is especially important for individuals in Lowell facing drug charges to work with the attorneys at Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. to ensure that they have the best chance at avoiding a conviction.
When facing drug charges, such as drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, or possession of drug paraphernalia, a simple choice can result in long-term consequences. A person may be the victim of entrapment if they choose to speak with law enforcement without a defense attorney present. Having a trustworthy and knowledgeable Lowell attorney can help individuals facing drug charges avoid the worst outcomes or the full extent of the available penalties.
Any errors in evidence collection or processing errors can become opportunities for our lawyers to build a case in your favor—we know where to look to protect our clients.
If you face drug charges in Lowell, you can expect little mercy from Massachusetts prosecutors. However, with the attorneys at Erkan & Sullivan, P.C. by your side, you can fight back and weaken the prosecution’s case. Speak to an aggressive, compassionate lawyer today to learn how we can be your advocate and defender during this time.
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