Quincy Drug Crimes Attorney
Mitigating The Consequences Of Drug Charges
Immediate legal representation is 100 percent necessary if you or a loved one is under investigation, has been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, or has been arrested for a drug crime. An experienced and highly skilled drug crime defense attorney in Quincy is a critical asset at every stage of the legal process. That's where Sweeney & Associates, LLC, can help.
An effective defense requires quick action to investigate, gather evidence and get witness accounts in your favor. Police officers and investigators will build evidence against you. We will work to suppress any evidence that may have been obtained illegally, collected improperly or analyzed incorrectly.
It's possible to prevent charges from being brought against you if you are under investigation. Our lawyers are available 24/7 to protect your rights and offer legal counsel. In many cases, investigators gather evidence for months through wiretaps, surveillance and other discreet investigation practices. We can advise you on their tactics and the legality of their actions, offer legal advice and speak to prosecutors before a case against you is completed.
To speak with an experienced Quincy drug crimes attorney, give us a call at (617) 300-0212 or contact us online today.
Protecting Your Reputation in Quincy & Canton
It's a family problem when a family member is charged with a drug offense. At Sweeney & Associates, LLC, our Quincy criminal defense lawyers have represented the accused throughout Quincy, Canton, and across Massachusetts, defending against charges ranging from college students in possession of marijuana to alleged drug rings trafficking cocaine and heroin.
As your attorneys, we can keep all affected family members informed and help you manage any negative consequences that might ensnare family members, such as publicity, emotional distress, financial strain and issues affecting children.
Speak with one of our attorneys today regarding:
- Misdemeanor or felony possession charges
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Federal or state drug trafficking or manufacturing
- Prescription drug fraud or illegal possession of prescription medications
- Conspiracy charges
- Money laundering
- School zone drug violations
- Illegal search and seizure
- Drug crime investigation
- The possible benefits of plea bargaining
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, offenses related to drugs come with substantial consequences designed to discourage drug-related activities and uphold public safety. The degree of penalties hinges on multiple factors, such as the nature and quantity of drugs, the individual's prior criminal record, and any aggravating conditions.
Some common penalties for drug crimes in Massachusetts include:
- Fines: Convicted individuals may face substantial fines as part of their sentence, which can vary depending on the offense.
- Incarceration: Drug offenses can result in imprisonment, ranging from months to years, especially for more serious offenses or repeat offenders.
- Loss of Driver's License: Being convicted of drug offenses can result in the suspension or revocation of the individual's driver's license, affecting their capacity to travel to work or fulfill other obligations.
- Asset Forfeiture: Law enforcement may seize assets, such as vehicles or money, believed to be connected to drug crimes.
- Probation: In some cases, the court may impose probation instead of or in addition to incarceration. Probation typically involves regular check-ins with a probation officer and adherence to specific conditions, such as drug testing and participation in treatment programs.
Aggravating Factors
In Massachusetts, as well as across the United States, certain aggravating factors can significantly increase the severity of charges and penalties related to drug crimes:
- Drug Quantity
- Possession with Intent to Distribute
- Location of Offense (School Zones, Public Areas)
- Prior Criminal Record
- Use of Firearms or Weapons
- Violence or Threats
- Involvement of Minors
- Committed While on Probation/Parole
- Crossing State/National Borders
It's crucial for individuals facing drug charges in Massachusetts to seek legal representation promptly. A skilled Quincy drug crimes attorney can assess the specific circumstances, build a strategic defense, and work to minimize the potential penalties, emphasizing the importance of legal guidance in navigating the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced Quincy drug crimes attorney. Call at (617) 300-0212 or contact us online today.
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Defenses Against Drug Charges in Massachusetts
If you’ve been arrested on drug charges, there are several defense strategies that a Quincy drug crimes lawyer may use to challenge the case against you. The most common defenses include:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights by searching you, your home, or your vehicle without a valid warrant or probable cause, the evidence gathered during that search may be inadmissible in court.
- Entrapment: Entrapment occurs when law enforcement officers induce a person to commit a crime they would not have committed otherwise. If you were coerced or pressured into committing a drug crime by a government agent, you may have an entrapment defense. A Quincy drug crimes lawyer will look at the actions of law enforcement to determine whether entrapment was a factor in your case.
- Lack of Intent: For charges such as possession with intent to distribute or drug trafficking, the prosecution must prove that you intended to sell or distribute drugs. If the prosecution cannot establish intent, you may not be convicted of these more serious offenses.
- Unlawful Detention: If law enforcement did not have a legal reason to detain or arrest you in the first place, any evidence obtained after that detention could be inadmissible. An attorney can challenge the legality of your detention, potentially leading to a dismissal of charges.
- Lack of Knowledge: In some cases, individuals may be charged with drug possession or trafficking even though they were unaware that they were in possession of illegal substances. For example, you might have been in a car with someone else who was carrying drugs, and you may not have known about it. If you can demonstrate that you didn’t know about the drugs, your defense lawyer can argue that you should not be held liable for their possession.
- Medical Marijuana Defense: Massachusetts has legalized medical marijuana for individuals with qualifying medical conditions. If you are a registered medical marijuana patient, and you were charged with possessing marijuana or another drug for personal use, your Quincy drug crimes lawyer can help you present this defense in court.
Our Unique Insight is Your Advantage
Attorney Richard Sweeney is a retired Boston police sergeant detective who commanded one of Boston's elite drug units for years. He also trained police officers across the state on investigative techniques, arrest procedures, and evidence collection. This background allows him to recognize when the proper protocols and procedures are not followed or your rights have been violated.
We will catch any discrepancies and use them to mitigate the consequences you face. In some cases, rights violations, faulty search warrants, discrepancies in the chain of custody or in the testing of the drugs can lead to the case being dismissed. Our Quincy-based criminal defense team has more than 20 years of combined legal experience in addition to attorney Sweeney's 13 years with the Boston Police Department. We know criminal cases from all angles.
Personalized, Discreet Representation
Your specific needs, charges, and potential consequences will dictate the course of our defense. We use state-of-the-art technology for research, updates on recent developments in both state and federal law, and evidence and data analysis.
Our ability to analyze the unique circumstances of your case combined with our knowledge and experience enables us to communicate effectively with you about your legal options. We are dedicated to providing personalized counsel to develop the best defense for you, whether you are facing charges in state or federal court.
Every case is different. Please contact us online or call our Quincy office today at (617) 300-0212 to speak with one of our attorneys or to schedule a free, confidential consultation. We offer fixed and hourly billing rates, and we accept all major credit cards.
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We Provide Fixed & Hourly Billing Rates
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Backed By 20+ Years Of Experience
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Retired Sergeant Boston Police Drug Unit
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Free Confidential Consultations
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Available 24/7 To Answer Your Call
Whether you have questions or you’re ready to get started, our legal team is ready to help. Complete our form below or call us at (617) 300-0212.