Houston Drug Charge Defense Lawyer
Depending on the severity of the crime, drug charges can be filed in State or Federal Court. Large scale or complex drug cases are typically filed in federal court and involve lengthy investigations that may involve wiretap evidence, confidential informants, and undercover agents.
Federal charges typically include drug conspiracy charges, drug possession, possession with intent to distribute, and manufacturing charges. If convicted, defendants typically face lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines, not to mention seizure of assets and property thought to have been acquired with proceeds from illegal drug activity. At the law office of Robert J. Fickman, I have a thorough understanding of how state and federal drug investigations are prepared and carried out. I know what to look for in exposing constitutional violations and how to question the credibility of government informants and snitches.
If you've been arrested on drug charges, contact drug crimes defense attorney Robert J. Fickman today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
Key Issues in Preparing Your Defense in a Drug Crime Case
In any drug case there are usually two key issues that I may address in your defense:
- Whether there was a legal, constitutional, search and seizure. If the police did not have a legal right to stop and search you, the drug evidence may be suppressed or thrown out of court. In one case, I successfully suppressed 550 kilos of cocaine based on an illegal search. State v. Reyes
- Whether the police can tie you to the possession of drugs or the drug conspiracy beyond a reasonable doubt. In a number of large scale federal cases I have successfully defended clients showing they were not linked to the conspiracy.
Experience and Knowledge of the Criminal Justice System
I'm Houston criminal defense lawyer Robert Fickman, and over the past 26 years I have defended people in drug cases ranging from conspiracies involving hundreds of kilos of cocaine all the way down to a single joint of marijuana. I have represented people on charges of drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, and possession.
In my opinion, to develop a strong defense you must first recognize the realities of our criminal justice system. Practically speaking, once you're arrested, the presumption of innocence does not exist. In this country, anyone accused of a serious crime is presumed guilty by the public. You must be prepared to prove your innocence to stand a chance. As your lawyer, my job is to do my best to develop a strong defense to prove your innocence.
Exposing the Untrustworthy Nature of Informants and Snitches
Drug charges often involve informants or snitches, people who have cooperated with the government in exchange for their own liberty. As your lawyer, I attempt to thoroughly investigate any confidential informant the government uses in your case. These individuals usually have lengthy criminal records which can be brought out in front of a jury in an effort to demonstrate that the informants or snitches are not trustworthy. The goal is to get the jury to reject the informants as they are not credible people.
Free consultation: If you have been charged with a drug crime, contact Houston criminal defense attorney Robert Fickman to discuss your case.
