McLean, VA Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

Strategic Criminal Defense Attorney Makes the Impossible Possible for Drug Crime Defendants in McLean, Virginia

Drug crimes are heavily—and often unfairly—stigmatized. If you have struggled with substance abuse, you are aware of the negative stereotypes and unkind assumptions you may face as you deal with the legal system. If you are convicted of a drug crime and required to serve time in jail or prison, you may be treated differently by prospective employers, schools, and rental housing agencies, even after years in recovery. Because of the ways you may be affected by a criminal arrest or conviction, you will need to understand the options that are available during your defense.

Virginia has some of the country's harshest mandatory minimum sentencing laws for drug crimes. The minimum prison sentence for some offenses exceeds a year. Fortunately, a skilled attorney can help you take steps to avoid the most severe outcomes. Drug crime cases are often much more nuanced than they appear, and multiple defense strategies may be available. With an experienced lawyer on your side, you can make sure your rights will be protected, and you can work to resolve your case successfully.

McLean, VA drug crimes defense lawyer Kaveh Noorishad will take the time to create a strategic defense for you that is based on the unique factors in your case, your personal history, and the options for probation or substance abuse treatment that may be available. Noorishad Law, P.C. takes on a limited number of cases so Attorney Noorishad can give each client the attention he or she deserves. He is highly results-driven and client-focused, and we will work closely with you to address your specific needs and concerns.

While you may have been led to believe that the evidence against you is insurmountable, this is rarely true. Important evidence may be excluded because law enforcement officials violated your rights through an illegal search, or other affirmative defenses may be presented during a trial. Attorney Noorishad will help you choose the best defense strategy for your situation, and he will fight to achieve positive results in your case.

Drug Possession

Drug possession can be a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type of substance involved and the quantity you allegedly had in your possession. In cases involving allegations of possession of heroin or other "hard drugs," the potential penalties will be more serious. Even small amounts of these substances can lead to lengthy prison sentences and high fines. While the penalties for possessing other types of drugs, such as prescription medications, may be less serious, a conviction can still lead to a jail sentence or other penalties.

At Noorishad Law, P.C., we can provide guidance on the best steps to take to defend against drug possession charges. We may argue that you were unaware of the drugs' presence, we may dispute the identification of certain substances, or we may raise constitutional concerns about unreasonable searches by law enforcement. By fully considering all factors involved in your case, we will identify the ideal defense strategies and fight to help you avoid a conviction.

Drug Distribution and Trafficking

Drug distribution may involve selling, giving, or otherwise delivering any controlled substance to another person. This offense may not only apply to drug dealers. Sharing a single prescription pill with one other person or facilitating a group purchase for your friends could lead to a drug distribution charge. Possession of large amounts could lead to charges of possession with intent to distribute (PWID), which may lead to penalties similar to those that would apply for someone who sold or distributed the substances. Drug distribution is almost always a felony offense, and a conviction can have a serious impact on your life.

The potential penalties are likely to increase significantly in cases involving allegations of drug trafficking, which is one of the most serious of all drug-related offenses. You can be charged with this crime if you are accused of bringing illicit drugs into the state of Virginia. You do not need to have been transporting a large quantity of drugs to be charged with this crime. As little as one ounce of some substances may be enough to support drug trafficking charges.

Our attorney understands the severity of criminal charges related to drug distribution, and we can provide the defense you need as you address these accusations. We can help determine whether your rights were violated by law enforcement or whether charges may be dismissed due to a lack of evidence. Through comprehensive preparation and relentless advocacy, we will work to defend against a conviction or help you take steps to minimize the penalties that may apply in your case.

Enhanced Penalties in Drug Crime Cases Involving Weapons

In some cases, the presence of weapons during a drug crime can lead to additional criminal charges. Knowingly possessing a firearm while a person is in possession of a Schedule I or II controlled substance is a Class 6 felony. A person could also face Class 6 felony charges for possessing or using a firearm while engaging in drug distribution or drug manufacturing. A weapon offense is a separate charge that may apply in addition to drug charges, and a conviction may lead to a longer prison sentence and other penalties. Our lawyer can address any accusations related to the use of weapons while working to defend your rights and minimize your penalties.

Prescription Fraud

Using deceptive means to gain access to prescription drugs can lead to prescription fraud charges. This is a fairly broad offense that includes anything from forging or altering a paper prescription to lying to your doctor about your health in the hopes of convincing them to prescribe a controlled substance. However, the state can be overly eager to pursue prescription fraud charges against patients who simply made an honest mistake, like accidentally getting duplicate prescriptions while seeing multiple specialists. Our attorney will help you demonstrate your innocence while fighting to prevent a conviction that could affect your life and your ability to receive the proper medical care.

Contact Our McLean Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

Noorishad Law, P.C. is dedicated to providing the best possible criminal defense services to people who have been accused of drug-related offenses. Aggressive McLean, VA drug crime attorney Kaveh Noorishad is committed to producing outstanding results for his clients. Contact us at 703-542-4500 for a complimentary consultation.