Busted for Drug Possession? This Is What Happens Next

Humans make mistakes and sometimes those mistakes get us caught. If your mistake of being irresponsible with drug possession gets you caught, it can mean you’re in a lot of trouble.

But that trouble doesn’t have to ruin your life. If you take the right steps you can minimize the damage this charge does to your future.

Learn the right steps below.

Don’t Admit to Drug Possession (or Anything)

When you’re arrested for drug possession it can mean one of two things: you’re bodily in possession (you’re high) and you have the drug on you.

Either way, the officer may try to use scare tactics to confuse or scare you into confessing. Don’t give into this. When they read you your rights, take the “You have the right to remain silent” right to heart.

Do not admit to anything. You may ask clarifying questions like “Am I free to go?” and “what am I being arrested for?” But don’t ask questions that prompt guilt.

For example, don’t ask “am I being arrested because I smell like weed?” That’s supplying the officer with evidence that you agree you smell like weed.

Ask them general questions if you have to and let them fill in the details. Or just stay silent and wait for a lawyer.

If You’re Booked . . .

If you’re sent to jail or holding, try to get out as soon as possible. That seems obvious, but a lot of people don’t know what that means, or how to do it successfully.

Do not tell the other people in holding what you’re being held for. Don’t admit to anything. You can say “they said they were arresting me for ___” but if anyone asks to follow up questions, deny or stay silent.

When you’re in holding, you can get out in one of two ways. You can pay your bail yourself – usually with about 10 to 20% down. Or you can call a loved one.

You get more than one phone call, usually, in larger jails because the more people you can contact to get you out, the less work the prison has to do.

After you find someone to post your bail (or you do it and get out) call a lawyer immediately.

Find the Right Lawyer

When you’re out of immediate danger, get some sleep. You’ll be tired from the events of the arrest and won’t be thinking clearly from the stress. This is another reason it’s so important to stay silent.

When you wake up, write down everything you remember about your arrest. It’s okay if it’s not in order or it doesn’t make sense. Just get it all out on paper.

When you talk to your lawyer, you’ll now have a list of things to help answer their questions.

If necessary, you may want to look into a rehab program, like this site.

Listen to Your Representation

Whatever your lawyer says, you need to do. Now, of course, you’re your own person and you can ask questions or draw boundaries. But in general, you need to follow their advice.

They’re employed for a reason and they know what to do. Give them the information they ask for in your drug possession case then let them help you.

Learn what you need in a lawyer, here.