If you are pulled over with drugs in your vehicle and are facing criminal charges, hiring an attorney should be a top priority. Call our Atlanta law firm today for the help you need.
Most people get pulled over at some point in their life. It might be for something minor—such as a broken taillight—or something more serious, such as excessive speeding or suspicions of drunk driving. If you are pulled over, it is important that you know your legal rights, especially in the event that you have been engaging in illegal behavior. If you are pulled over with drugs in the car, here is what you should know about your rights and how a criminal defense attorney can help—
Can the Police Search My Car?
Perhaps the most important thing to understand when you are stopped by the police and you have drugs in the car are your rights regarding a search of your vehicle. The police do not have the right to search your vehicle unless:
- They have a search warrant to do so
- You give them permission to search your vehicle
- They have probable cause to conduct a search
The latter is most complicated—what constitutes probable cause?
In traffic stops involving vehicle searches, probable cause refers to evidence that conducting a search will likely lead to more evidence that the driver has committed a crime. For example, if the police officer sees drugs in the vehicle, they likely have probable cause to conduct a search.
Will I be Charged With a DUI?
If you have drugs in the vehicle at the time that you are stopped, it is possible that you will be asked to submit to blood testing. If you have drugs within your system and these drugs were impairing your ability to safely operate your vehicle, you could be charged with driving under the influence. Additionally, you may also face drug possession charges, which can have serious consequences, including large fines and fees, incarceration period, and a permanent mark on your criminal record if you are convicted.
How Can a Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?
If you have been pulled over with drugs in your car and you are facing criminal charges, working with a skilled criminal defense attorney in Georgia is critical. Your attorney can help you by:
- Reviewing the charges against you and the prosecution’s evidence
- Developing a case strategy
- Working to have any evidence against you withheld from being entered into court due to a constitutional violation, such as illegal search and seizure
- Working with the prosecution to strike a plea bargain
- Representing you in court
- Advocating for your rights and best interests
Call the Atlanta Office of Ghanayem & Rayasam Today
If you are arrested and charged with a crime following being stopped with drugs in your car, it is important to know that you have legal rights. At the office of Ghanayem & Rayasam, our Georgia criminal defense lawyers will advocate for you. Call our law firm today for a consultation or send us a message online to get started.