Don’t Fight Drug Charges Alone
If you find yourself facing drug charges, you may be worried about your future and intimidated by the proceedings ahead. Thankfully, you don’t have to fight the charges alone. We can help.
Criminal defense is a major focus of our practice at Hankey Law. We understand how stressful it is to have drug charges looming over your head. A poor outcome could mean hefty fines, a stain on your criminal record, probation or even jail time.
Attorney Blake Hankey will work hard to avoid those harsh consequences. By carefully examining your case and applying our extensive criminal law experience, we will explore every angle for a successful defense strategy.
A Strategic Defense For Any Kind Of Drug Crime
You can turn to us for help with charges involving any type of drug crime, state or federal, in Minnesota or North Dakota. Because Blake Hankey is licensed in both states and practices in federal court in North Dakota, we can readily handle more complex cases involving interstate trafficking, for instance.
Other examples of cases we frequently handle include:
- Drug possession
- Possession with intent to sell
- Drug trafficking or distribution
- Federal drug conspiracy charges
- Drug-related DUI charges
- Drug cultivation or manufacture
These cases may involve substances such as:
- Marijuana (weed, pot)
- Ecstasy (molly, MDMA)
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines (meth)
- Heroin
- LSD (acid)
- Mushrooms (psilocybin)
- Xanax
- Adderall
- Fentanyl and other opioids
No matter the exact charge or substance involved, you can count on our lawyers to handle your case with the care, diligence and attention you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Charges
Drug arrests move quickly in North Dakota, and many people are unsure what to expect after charges are filed. Below are answers to several common questions about penalties, defense strategies and the criminal process.
What penalties can follow a drug conviction in North Dakota?
The penalties for a drug conviction depend on the substance involved, the amount allegedly possessed and whether prosecutors claim there was intent to distribute. Some offenses may lead to probation, treatment requirements or fines, while felony charges can carry prison time and lengthy supervision conditions.
A conviction may also create lasting problems involving employment, housing opportunities, financial aid eligibility and professional licensing. More serious allegations involving trafficking or interstate activity can expose someone to enhanced penalties in state or federal court.
Because these consequences can follow someone for years, it is important to respond aggressively from the start of the case.
What defense strategies are commonly used in drug crime cases?
Strong defense strategies often begin with examining how law enforcement handled the investigation. In some cases, police may have violated constitutional protections during a traffic stop, search or arrest. If officers obtained evidence improperly, portions of the prosecution’s case could potentially be challenged or excluded.
Other cases involve disputes about possession or intent. Simply being near drugs does not automatically prove ownership or control. Drug crime defense may also involve questioning laboratory testing procedures, witness credibility or allegations that someone intended to distribute narcotics rather than possess them personally.
We carefully review every detail of the evidence before determining the strongest defense approach for each client.
What should I expect after a drug arrest?
After a drug arrest, most people are booked into custody before appearing in court for an initial hearing or arraignment. During this stage, the court may address bond conditions, release terms and upcoming court dates while prosecutors continue reviewing evidence.
As the case progresses, there may be pretrial hearings, negotiations with prosecutors or preparation for trial. The early stages of a criminal case are extremely important because statements made to law enforcement can later be used against you.
Working with a defense lawyer early allows someone to protect their rights, preserve evidence and begin building a strategy before the prosecution gains momentum. At Hankey Law, we keep clients informed throughout every stage of the process while fighting to protect their future.