In Oklahoma, as in many states, drug offenses can carry serious penalties. Depending on the type of drug and the severity of the charge, you could be facing thousands of dollars in fines and years in prison. Additionally, the permanent record you will hold after fulfilling your punishment could make it hard for you to find a home or a job.
It is easy to think that cooperating with authorities will make them go easier on you as they seek punishment. This is not the case. The job of law enforcement and prosecutors is to get a conviction, and it may be politically advantageous for them to seek the heaviest penalties possible. You need a dedicated Oklahoma City criminal defense lawyer who is willing to get aggressive on your behalf. Josh Lee & Associates has the experience you need on your side.
We can help negotiate reduced charges or plea deals, but we are never afraid to get aggressive and litigate in court when necessary. Reach out today for your free consultation today.
Why Choose Us?
We understand that sometimes you can get mixed up with the wrong crowd or find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. If you have been charged with a drug offense, not everyone wants to listen to your side of the story. At Josh Lee & Associates, you will always get the personal attention you deserve, and we will take the time to understand every detail of your story.
Those details are extremely important, and they can help build the basis for your defense. Our founding attorney has spent his 20+ year career helping protect the rights of the accused, and we can help you too. Contact us today to learn what we can do for you.
Skilled Representation, No Matter Your Charges
Our founding attorney at Josh Lee & Associates has focused his career on criminal defense, starting with the internship he held at the Oklahoma County Public Defender’s Office throughout law school. This means that he is uniquely prepared to give you the representation you require. We know that despite how law enforcement may be acting, you are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. At Josh Lee & Associates, we will work to get you the fair trial and strong defense you deserve.
We have helped clients with a wide array of drug offenses, including:
- Possession of a controlled substance. This can be simple possession for personal use or possession with intent to distribute. It can also include possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Manufacturing. Involvement in any step of the production process for an illegal drug can lead to manufacturing charges.
- Drug trafficking. This includes the sale, transport or import of controlled substances. It is a felony charge if the amount transported is large enough.
- Distributing. The sale of small quantities of controlled substances is classified as “dealing” rather than “trafficking.”
Whether you are facing minor or more serious charges, you deserve a defense attorney who will work for you.
Potential Penalties For Drug Charge Convictions
Drug charges are taken seriously in Oklahoma, and the seriousness of these crimes is reflected in the punishments you may face if convicted. The extent of your punishment often depends on the type and amount of drugs involved in the charge. On the low end, charges for simple possession of most controlled substances are a misdemeanor and punishable by up to 1 year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense.
Distribution charges carry much higher penalties than simple possession. A first offense for distribution of a Schedule I or II drug carries a penalty of up to 7 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000 (Okla. Stat. tit. 63 § 2-401). A second conviction bumps up the jail time to a maximum of 14 years, while you may be looking at 20 years in prison for a third offense.
Additionally, aiding a minor in drug offenses is an extremely serious charge. A first offense for this type of charge could result in up to 20 years in prison and up to $200,000 in fines. As you can see, the punishment for drug crimes is harsh, so you need someone on your side who knows how to fight for you. Our experienced team will thoroughly investigate every aspect of the charges against you and work diligently to keep a conviction off your record.
Common Defenses Against Drug Charges
We know that law enforcement can be quick to make arrests on drug charges, even when the facts of the situation might not fully support the charges. Maybe you found yourself riding in someone else’s car when drugs were found, and now you are facing drug crime charges. At Josh Lee & Associates, we have over 20 years of experience representing clients accused of these types of charges. We know how to challenge the prosecution and put your best defense forward. Some common defenses to drug charges include the following:
- Illegal search and seizure
- No probable cause for an initial traffic stop
- Procedural mistakes by the police department
- Independent chemical testing of substances
- Challenging the credibility of witnesses
- Challenging the chain of custody or handling of evidence
- Insufficient evidence to prove “beyond a reasonable doubt”
We will always perform our own thorough investigation of your case, and we use the details we gather from that investigation to put together the best defense for you. We want to help get you the outcome you desire, and we will use our 20+ years of experience to fight fiercely to make that happen.
The Lasting Effects Of Drug Charge Convictions
The consequences of a drug charge conviction can stick with you for years and, in some cases, for a lifetime. Having a drug conviction on your record can make it difficult to find employment or housing. It may hinder your ability to participate in certain groups or programs, like coaching youth sports or volunteering at your child’s school. The repercussions of a conviction can also include losing your driving privileges, losing the ability to vote, and losing the ability to own a firearm. If you are convicted of drug possession along with possession of an illegal weapon, our weapons charges attorney can provide you with legal options for your unique case.
Now that you have an idea of how serious these charges are and how long-lasting the effects can be, you should understand the importance of having experienced legal representation on your side throughout your case. Whether you have already been arrested or are simply under investigation for a drug crime, NOW is the time to contact Josh Lee & Associates. Let our drug crime attorneys in Oklahoma City get to work on your case and put together the best defense strategy to help keep that conviction off your record.
Drug Charges And Federal Law
Not only are drug crimes a violation of Oklahoma law, but some drug crimes are also a violation of federal law. If you have been charged with a federal drug crime, it is even more important to have an experienced defense attorney on your side.
Federal drug crimes are prosecuted by United States District Attorneys, and these crimes are often investigated by federal organizations, like the FBI, DEA, or others. These organizations are large and have plenty of resources at their disposal. They will aggressively fight for convictions in these cases, so you need someone on your side to help defend your rights.
Finally, federal drug charges usually carry even more severe penalties than state drug charges. You could find yourself facing several years in prison and hefty fines, even for a first offense. A conviction for one of these crimes can also stay with you for a lifetime and prevent you from obtaining employment, getting a loan, finding housing, or performing other common activities. Contact our office today to learn how we can help defend you against federal drug charges. We will go to work right away to help protect your freedom and your reputation.
Call Our Oklahoma City Drug Crimes Lawyer for a Free Case Review
If you find yourself facing drug charges or you are being investigated for a drug crime, contact Josh Lee & Associates today. You might think that cooperating with law enforcement or the prosecution will help you get the best outcome, but that is not always true. The job of law enforcement is to get a conviction. Our job is to fight for you. To arrange an initial meeting, call our drug crimes attorneys in Oklahoma City, OK at (405) 759-5529. Your initial consultation and a thorough case analysis are always free, so contact us today to learn how we can help you.
