Representing People Accused Of Drug Crimes in Fairhope, Fairhope & Orange Beach, AL

The state of Alabama is deadly serious in its war on drugs. If you've been charged with drug possession, distribution or trafficking of a controlled substance, you need an attorney who understands how to challenge the prosecution. An over-eager prosecutor may try to inflate the charges against you resulting in considerable fines and the loss of your freedom.

To make sure your rights are protected, you need a relentless attorney familiar with the tactics employed by the state. You need me: Jonathan C. McCardle.

Penalties imposed for drug crimes in Alabama are severe. Possessing just a small amount of marijuana gets you arrested and sent to jail for a year or more; a class A drug crime felony can result in life in prison. If you've been charged with possession, trafficking or distribution of meth, cocaine, heroin or any other controlled substance, you could be looking at hefty fines and substantial time behind bars. Only an attorney may be able to help limit the damage.

Possession of any drug or material considered to be a controlled dangerous substance (CDC) can result in fines up to $15,000 and up to 10 years in prison. This includes compounds used to manufacture drugs, such as anhydrous ammonia used to make crystal meth. Even possession of drug paraphernalia is illegal, regardless of whether drugs are present.

Alabama judges have no sympathy towards defendants brought in for possession. If found guilty, the minimum sentence you will be facing is a year in jail - the worst-case scenario is decades in prison and tens of thousands of dollars in fines. Even with a minimum sentence, you will have a criminal record that affects your ability to get a job, buy a home and qualify for a loan.

The crime of drug distribution involves someone in possession of a CDC who delivers, sells, gives away or in any other way distributes the CDC to another person. Drug distribution is a Class B felony in Alabama. That means a guilty verdict could mean up to $30,000 in fines and up to 20 years in prison. Defendants caught distributing drugs near a school or playground or who involved a minor face a minimum sentence of 10 years up to life in prison.