Facing drug charges can be a daunting prospect, with the consequences ranging from fines to incarceration. However, a skilled attorney can help you minimize the repercussions. In particular, if the arresting police officers made mistakes when apprehending you, you may have good cause to successfully fight the charges brought against you. It's always important to communicate the details of your arrest to your lawyer. Discover some common mistakes made during drug arrests below.

What Are Some Common Drug Arrest Errors?

1. Unlawful Search & Seizure

The police need to have a good reason to stop and search your person or property. They can't just arbitrarily conduct searches. For example, if an officer pulls you over and then searches the trunk of your vehicle—an area that isn't in plain sight—without permission and finds drugs, this may be unlawful. A lawyer can help determine whether the police were in line with the law or not when they found illicit substances.

2. Incorrect Identification

Different types of drugs carry various penalties depending on how damaging they are. If an officer incorrectly identifies a drug type—for example, thinking a crushed up over-the-counter painkiller is cocaine—the charges may be dismissed. In a similar vein, if the drugs belonged to someone else, your attorney may be able to shift the blame to them.

3. Entrapment

Entrapment refers to a strategy used by police to knowingly tempt people into breaking the law. It's distinct from undercover operations, where an officer may pose as a drug buyer. Rather, an act would be considered entrapment if the officer induces you to break a law that you would not have broken otherwise—for example, if they provide you with the drugs you are subsequently arrested with.

If you need an attorney to deal with drug charges in the Columbia, MO, area, contact the Law Office of Mike Hamilton. Attorney Hamilton has been practicing since 1989 and running his own practice for nearly a decade. He serves clients throughout Columbia, Fulton, Callaway, and Boone counties. Learn more about his work in the drug possession field online. To request a consultation, call (573) 825-5698.

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