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No matter what you call cocaine, be it coke, blow, yeyo, or snow, you are in serious trouble if you are caught by a police officer with possession of cocaine. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, there are a few steps to take in order to help minimize the potential damages caused by the charges. Let the criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Elliott Kanter in San Diego guide you through the legal steps to take after a cocaine possession charge.
1. Do Not Attempt to Discard the Cocaine
If you are unaware that you have cocaine on your person or in your possession, the last thing you want to do is to act guilty. Acting guilty includes running away from authorities or trying to discard any cocaine you may have. Simply accept the charges with the knowledge that your attorney will help prove your innocence in the future.
2. Do Not Admit to Knowingly Having Possession of Cocaine
The burden of proof lies with the police. If you are charged with possession of cocaine, it is important to maintain that you were unaware that the substance was cocaine or were unaware where the cocaine came from. Without an admission by the accused party, it can be difficult for police to prove that you were aware of the presence of the illegal drug.
3. Contact a Criminal Defense Attorney With Drug Charges Experience
After charges have been filed, make sure to contact a criminal defense attorney with experience with drug charges and cocaine possession cases. Going through this process without a lawyer is a bad decision, as their knowledge and experience can prove invaluable in reducing your sentence or proving your innocence.
4. File a Motion to Suppress Evidence
You have rights. If cocaine was discovered during an illegal search, arrest or traffic stop, your 4th amendment rights permit you to suppress the prosecution’s evidence.
5. Claim That Authorities Entrapped You
If you feel that authorities have entrapped you, this can be a great defense against cocaine possession charges. Entrapment means that police coerced you into committing a crime that you would not have committed otherwise.
6. Claim the Police Acted Unethically
Your case can get thrown away if it is found that the police acted unethically. Your attorney must be able to prove that the police officers committed illegal or unethical acts when investigating or arresting.
Drug Defense Attorneys at The Law Offices of Elliott Kanter
The Law Offices of Elliot Kanter in San Diego offers expert criminal defense for those charged with possession of cocaine. We will do everything we can to get the charges dropped or the penalties minimized, using our years of experience to get the best possible result. If you are interested in learning more or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our San Diego office today. Give us a call.
