Salt Lake City, Utah Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer

Dedicated Salt Lake City Defense Attorney for Drug Charges

Utah has strict laws against drug possession and distribution. If you are convicted of a serious drug offense, you could be left with a criminal record, with a sentence of years behind bars. Having a reliable Utah drug crime defense attorney in your corner can make a significant difference for your case, whether this is your first offense or not.

At Salt City Defense, we understand just how much might be on the line if you are accused of a drug crime. Attorney Cliff Venable has over a decade of relevant experience in criminal law, allowing him to effectively strategize on your behalf. We will keep you informed of your rights throughout your case and fight for an optimal result.

Drug Possession

In Utah, it is illegal to possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription or outside of a lawful professional practice. Ordinarily, this crime is punished as a class B misdemeanor, which has a maximum sentence of six months in prison and a potential fine of up to $1,000.

The penalties for possession can be increased in certain cases. Possessing a Schedule I or II controlled substance like heroin or ecstasy is a class a misdemeanor, which is punishable by no more than 364 days in jail and a possible fine of up to $2,500. On a third conviction of possessing a Schedule I or II substance, you could face third-degree felony charges, punishable by a maximum of five years in prison.

Fighting a drug possession charge requires a close examination of the facts. You may be able to assert that you had a lawful right to the drugs in your possession, such as a valid prescription. You could also argue that you were not aware of the drugs in your possession.

Drug Distribution

Drug distribution is a step above mere possession. However, possession "with intent to distribute" is often treated just as seriously as distributing the crime of distribution itself. Distributing a Schedule I or II controlled substance is a second-degree felony with a maximum of 15 years in prison, or a first-degree felony on a subsequent conviction, which has the potential for life imprisonment.

At Salt City Defense, we will fight a drug distribution charge to the fullest extent of the law. We may question if there is enough evidence to suggest that you intended to sell or distribute the drugs in question or negotiate for a favorable plea bargain on your behalf.

Fourth Amendment Defense

When fighting a drug possession or distribution charge, our criminal defense lawyer will review the procedures of law enforcement officers to see if your rights were violated. All citizens are protected from illegal searches under the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, which means that you cannot be searched against your will without a warrant or probable cause to believe that a crime was committed.

If you were the victim of an illegal search, we will challenge the evidence from that search and fight to have it thrown out of court. When you work with our attorney, you can take comfort knowing that we will put up a confident defense on your behalf based on clear legal precedent.

Contact a Salt Lake City, UT Drug Crime Defense Lawyer Today

If you have been arrested for a charge of drug possession or distribution, it is in your best interests to reach out to an attorney at the earliest opportunity. At Salt City Defense, we have practical experience handling all kinds of criminal cases, providing our clients with professional advocacy and legal counsel.

If you have any questions about the services we provide, you can reach out to us online or call us at 919-744-6471 for a free consultation today.