Were you arrested for drug possession in Albuquerque, New Mexico? A conviction can leave you with jail time, heavy fines, and a criminal record that may follow you for life. Fortunately, you still have options. With help from Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys, you can fight back against the charges and protect your future.
Our Albuquerque drug possession attorneys have decades of combined experience representing clients across the State of New Mexico. We understand how prosecutors build their cases and what strategies work in local courts. Call us today at (505) 248-1400 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights.
How Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help if You’re Arrested for Drug Possession in Albuquerque, NM
When police arrest someone for drug possession, prosecutors often assume guilt from the start. However, under the law, the state must prove every part of its case beyond a reasonable doubt. That gives your attorney lots of room to challenge the evidence against you and weaken the prosecution’s position.
When you hire At Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys to help you, we’ll get to work by:
- Investigating how law enforcement conducted the search and seizure
- Reviewing whether your constitutional rights were violated
- Challenging unreliable or improperly tested drug evidence
- Filing motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
- Negotiating with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
- Preparing a defense for trial if necessary
Our legal team knows what’s at stake when you’ve been charged with drug possession and will do everything in our power to help you achieve a favorable outcome. Contact our Albuquerque criminal defense lawyers today for a free initial consultation.
New Mexico’s Drug Possession Laws
Drug laws in New Mexico are strict, and the penalties vary depending on the type and amount of the substance involved. For example, possession of controlled substances like cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and certain prescription medications without a prescription is usually charged as a felony.
Marijuana possession, as another example, is treated differently. Under state law, adults over 21 may legally possess up to two ounces of marijuana for personal use. Anything above that limit can still lead to criminal charges.
In general, keep in mind that:
- Misdemeanor possession may apply to small amounts of marijuana above the legal limit
- Felony possession applies to most other controlled substances, and penalties increase with larger quantities
- Possession with intent to distribute is treated even more harshly and can lead to lengthy prison sentences
Understanding the charges against you is an important first step. Our drug possession lawyers in Albuquerque can explain what penalties you face and what defenses may be available.
What Are the Penalties for a Drug Possession Conviction in Albuquerque, NM?
The consequences of a drug possession conviction in New Mexico depend on many factors, including the type of drug in question, the quantity, and whether you have any prior convictions.
For instance:
- First-time possession of a small amount of a controlled substance may be a fourth-degree felony, punishable by up to 18 months in prison and fines up to $5,000.
- Larger amounts or repeat offenses can lead to second- or third-degree felony charges, with penalties ranging from several years to over a decade in prison.
- Possession with intent to distribute can bring even harsher penalties, including up to 18 years for certain offenses.
In addition to prison time and fines, you could face collateral consequences such as losing professional licenses and being disqualified from certain jobs and housing.
Possible Defenses to Drug Possession Charges in Albuquerque
Just because you’ve been arrested does not mean you will be convicted. A knowledgeable Albuquerque drug possession lawyer can build a defense strategy based on the specific facts of your case.
Common defenses include:
- Illegal search and seizure: If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights, evidence may be thrown out.
- Lack of knowledge or possession: You may not have known the drugs were present, or they may not have belonged to you.
- Chain of custody issues: Mistakes in how evidence was handled or tested can create doubt about its reliability.
- Medical use: If the substance was prescribed by a doctor, charges may not apply.
Ultimately, your defense attorney’s job is to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and use them to your advantage. From there, the goal is to have your charges dropped or reduced as much as possible.
Contact Our Albuquerque Drug Possession Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Drug possession charges in Albuquerque, New Mexico, can change the course of your life. However, the prosecution must meet a heavy burden to convict you. As a result, you may still have time to fight back and have your case dismissed with help from an experienced attorney.
At Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Albuquerque drug possession lawyers have decades of combined experience handling complex criminal cases. We’ll work just as hard for you, so contact us today to get started with a free consultation.