What Should I Do If I Am Charged with a Drug Crime?

More importantly, what shouldn’t you do if you’re charged with a Kentucky drug crime?

You shouldn’t answer any questions without your attorney being present. You need to plead the Fifth Amendment, just like you see on TV shows, and tell the arresting officers you will not answer questions (other than giving basic information to identify yourself) without first talking to an attorney. As you should have heard from the officers when you were told your Miranda rights, anything you say really can be used against you in a court of law. Tell them you want to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.

You don’t want to say anything that can be misunderstood or potentially link you to another crime. As much as you hate being held in detention, you shouldn’t try to get yourself out of this jam without the help of an attorney.

What you should do is be polite, respectful and professional with the officers, no matter how you’re being treated. If you’ve been seriously mistreated, that can be addressed later. As best you can, be relaxed, speak calmly and don’t swear. Let them do their job and process you while you remain calm and protect yourself. Don’t give them an excuse to slow your processing and eventual release.

They should allow you to make a phone call within a reasonable period of time after your arrest. Law enforcement shouldn’t listen to your call with your lawyer, but your calls to others are fair game for monitoring. Don’t say anything during these conversations you wouldn’t want the police to hear, so keep it short and sweet.

Inform the officers if you have a medical condition. If you take medications, ask a friend or family member to bring them to the police station. If you genuinely feel you need medical attention, speak up and ask for it. Don’t put on a show and pretend to have health problems and demand medical help. You’ll just end up spending more time in custody.

If you end up in a cell before your release, don’t discuss the situation with anyone in a cell with you. The cell may be monitored and your words recorded, or your cell mate may pass on what you say to the officers. Be friendly, cooperative and don’t play the tough guy and be aggressive with others. Picking a fight and getting into an altercation could result in your being injured and additional charges being brought against you.

If you have been charged with a drug crime, or any other criminal charge in Kentucky, you need a criminal defense attorney who can protect your rights and your future. Contact us today so you can discuss your situation with one of the attorneys at the Lexington, Kentucky-based Carman Law Firm. As criminal defense attorneys with years of experience, we offer thorough, experienced representation.