If you’re arrested for drug possession in California, your behavior could determine the outcome of your court case. Many people make costly mistakes because they don’t know what to expect from an arrest. Here’s a rundown of what occurs when you’re arrested for possession.
What happens after the initial arrest?
When you’re arrested, it’s important to remember that no court has convicted you of anything yet. If you stay calm, you might be able to avoid having drug charges placed on your record. Remain composed and say as little as possible while they arrest you and take you to the police station.
When you arrive, you’ll have the chance to call a criminal defense attorney. This is the perfect opportunity to get an attorney working on your case as soon as possible. If you don’t have an attorney in mind, you can call a friend or relative and ask them to hire one for you.
After that, you can ask the judge to grant bail. If they do, you’ll be able to get out of jail until your court date. Otherwise, you’ll have to stay while you await the next steps. Your attorney can advise you throughout the process.
Could an attorney get your charges dropped?
Even if it seems like one at the time, no case is a lost cause. Your attorney might be able to get your charges dropped because of a mere technicality. If not, they might at least be able to get your charges reduced or argue for a more lenient punishment, especially if this is your first offense. Either way, an attorney could keep you from making costly mistakes that could destroy your entire case. Anyone might benefit from hiring an attorney, but legal counsel can be especially valuable if you’re dealing with multiple charges or repeat offenses.