Since the “War on Drugs” began back in the 1970s in the United States, drug laws around the country have been strengthened and penalties for breaking those laws increased. Consequently, the ramifications of being convicted of a drug crime in the State of Nebraska can be far-reaching. Along with the judicial sentence handed down by the judge which could include a lengthy term of incarceration, you could also lose current and future employment opportunities, be denied housing or public benefits, or even be turned down for federal student loans to attend college. Given all that is at stake when you are charged with a drug crime, it should come as no surprise that your choice of legal representation is crucial to the outcome of your case. In addition, there are some important steps to take if you have been arrested for a drug crime in Nebraska, including.
1. Do not resist arrest. People frequently make their situation worse by arguing with the police and/or resisting arrest. Keep in mind that law enforcement officers make arrests but they do not decide what charges to file nor do they prosecute defendants. Arguing with a police officer about whether or not contraband is really yours or about your guilt or innocence is almost always a waste of time at best. At worst you may inadvertently offer additional information to the officer or end up with additional charges against you.
2. Do not talk to anyone! This is often the most difficult advice for people to follow. Frequently, your natural instinct tells you to try and talk your way out if being arrested. The thought pattern is that if you are helpful and cooperative the police will let you go. That rarely ever happens, and when it does it is almost always because the suspect traded information (usually the name of someone higher up in the operation or the location of a larger quantity of drugs) in exchange for his/her freedom. The prohibition against talking extends beyond the police though. You also should not discuss your alleged crime with people with whom you share a cell or anyone else for that matter. Keep in mind that anyone can become a witness against you should your case go to trial.
3. Retain the services of an experienced Nebraska criminal defense attorney. As soon after your arrest as possible you should retain the services of an experienced Nebraska criminal defense attorney. An experienced attorney can often help get you out of jail if you are still in custody. Your attorney will also become your voice throughout the prosecution of your case, speaking on your behalf to the police, prosecutor, media, and anyone else interested. Most importantly, however, your attorney will ensure that your rights are protected throughout the prosecution of your case.
4. Heed the advice of your attorney. Don’t hire an experienced attorney and then refuse, out of hand, to listen to his/her advice. This applies to everything from which potential defenses to explore to how to present the more effective argument at sentencing. Most importantly, be sure to listen to your attorney’s evaluation of the State’s evidence (or lack thereof) against you so that you can make an intelligent and informed decision regarding how best to proceed with your case.
5. Stay out of further trouble. Without a doubt, one of the worst things you can do while your drug crime prosecution is pending is to get arrested for another crime. Not only will this potentially cause the court to revoke your bond and return you to custody for the duration of your case but it could also negatively impact your sentence if you are convicted.
If you have been charged with a drug crime in the State of Nebraska it is in your best interest to consult with an experienced Nebraska criminal defense attorney as soon as possible after your arrest. Contact Petersen Criminal Defense Law 24 hours a day at 402-509-8070 to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
Attorney Petersen was invited to join the National Advocacy for DUI Defense (NAFDD) organization in 2013. NAFDD vets thousands of lawyers and only chooses those who have achieved stellar results in DUI defense cases. Attorney Petersen was named one of the Top 50 defense attorneys in Nebraska out of more than 5,000.
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