What are the defense strategies for drug charges?

When accused of a drug charge in Utah, there are many defense strategies one can attempt to employ. The most straightforward defense strategy is to attempt to disprove the charges. This can include establishing that the search that led to the discovery of the drugs was illegal, that there was insufficient evidence, or that the drugs were not actually yours and/or that they were planted. Another strategy is to admit to the charges but argue mitigating factors, such as a lack of a prior criminal record, insufficient evidence of intent to sell drugs, or that you were merely a carrier for another party. This can be a powerful argument, especially if you have a strong record of good behavior and/or if you can demonstrate that you were actually a victim of coercion or duress. It is also possible to argue an entrapment defense, which means you were coerced or forced into committing a crime you would not have otherwise committed. In this case, the argument is that you were tricked into committing the crime due to a law enforcement officer’s overreaching or excessive tactics. Finally, another strategy may be to plead guilty to the charges to receive a more lenient sentence. This can only be done through a plea bargain and is usually done if the evidence against the accused is overwhelming. Essentially, there are numerous defense strategies when it comes to drug charges. It is best to speak with a qualified attorney familiar with the drug laws in Utah to determine the best path forward.

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What are the defense strategies for drug charges?

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