Many people who end up getting arrested for the first time for drug crimes may want to plead guilty and accept probation. This is especially true for those charged with possessing or using small amounts of weed, which seems quite minor. Unfortunately, there are serious ramifications even if there is no jail time associated with a drug conviction. For example, college students who are convicted of drug crimes may not be eligible for federal financial aid. Furthermore, a misdemeanor conviction will result in a permanent criminal record that will make it harder to rent an apartment or to get a job. Today, criminal background checks are so easy and cheap that it is hard to run away from old criminal offenses long after the probation and jail time has been completed. That is why those charged with drug crimes need to seriously consider hiring a Criminal Law Attorney.
First of all, the Criminal Law Attorney may be able to get clients out of jail quicker and for less money. With a bail bondman, there is a bail premium fee that is not refunded no matter what happens with the case. It is desirable to get the bail reduced as much as possible. A criminal defense lawyer can ask the judge at arraignment to reduce the bail to zero. If that happens, defendants will be able to save a lot of money while dealing with their drug cases.
Criminal defense lawyers such as those from Feinstein Legal Services will try to either help clients avoid conviction or to negotiate a more favorable plea bargaining deal. To win a criminal case, the client will have to pay for the costs of a jury trial no matter what the outcome will be. If chances of avoiding conviction are low, it may be best to negotiate a plea bargaining deal. The desirability of the plea bargaining deal will depend on the strength of the case. That is why lawyers have to prepare drug cases for trial even though the case will likely be settled out of court. Some prosecutors may suggest to defendants that the state’s case is strong. Once a good defense lawyer looks at the case, it may be possible to avoid a criminal record with charges dropped as weaknesses in the case become apparent. That is why it is usually best for those charged with drug crimes to hire legal counsel.
