If you commit a crime or are accused of committing a crime, your first action should be to contact your attorney. You need to know that your interests are being protected, but without someone on your side and an education about the judicial system, it might be hard to do that.
A good criminal defense attorney is there from the moment you think you might be arrested until you go to trial or take a plea deal. Why is a criminal defense so important? It's the chance you have to make the best of your situation.
Take, for example, a case of a person who possessed heroin. The individual might have had more than enough for one person but not intended to sell it on to others. Maybe they purchased enough for several days of usage or had other parties' drugs in their possession in a home or vehicle. In this case, it would be wise to have a defense attorney, because simple possession charges could grow to charges for distribution or the intent to distribute drugs. The penalties for distributing drugs are much higher than those for simple possession.
Developing a solid defense is important to your case, and it helps make sure you're treated fairly by the court. The prosecution may try several angles to obtain a conviction, but your defense attorney will know what to expect. That can prevent you from facing unfair penalties and unfair treatment that you don't deserve. Our site has more on what to expect if you're facing charges for drug possession or distribution.
