New research and changing public opinions have forced policymakers to reevaluate the “War on Drugs.” Oregon is one of several states that have now legalized the limited use of cannabis for medicinal and adult-use purposes. It is also the first state to legalize the therapeutic use of psychedelic mushrooms, also known as psilocybin, and to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of other drugs. These are welcome changes, but it does not mean that Oregon residents are immune to prosecution for a drug crime.
Attorney Michael R. Hughes regularly defends Oregonians who face criminal charges for violating state, or federal laws regulating the possession, sale, or use of marijuana, psychedelic mushrooms, and other controlled substances.
Drug Crimes: Conflicting Laws, Confusing Regulations
Attorney Michael R. Hughes appreciates how difficult it is to stay in compliance with the rapidly evolving laws regulating controlled substances. Conflicting local, state, and federal laws mean there is no longer a bright line between legal and illegal activity. There are many gray areas, and that uncertainty can get you into trouble.
Oregon has gone further than any other state toward decriminalizing the private use of recreational drugs. But even here the possession, use, and sale of cannabis, psilocybin, and other drugs is heavily regulated. Trustworthy information about what exactly is legal is hard to come by, and many sources offer opinions that are skewed by rumors and wishful thinking. It is easy, even for people who want to do the right thing and follow the letter of the law, to step out of line.
To complicate matters, cannabis, psilocybin, and other drugs that are legal to possess in Oregon, are still classified as Schedule I drugs by the federal government. This means it is a federal crime to possess, use, or attempt to sell them.
If you are arrested for possession or any other drug-related criminal offense, it is imperative that you contact a qualified attorney right away. Drug offenses have serious consequences, but a strong defense may be able to shield you from the worst of them.
Serious Consequences of a Drug Crime
The consequences of being charged with a drug crime vary to an extraordinary degree. Attorney Michael R. Hughes has the experience to know if you are facing a slap on the wrist or incarceration. He can tell you what the worst-case scenario is if you are convicted and advise you of what the most likely outcome is if you chose to fight the allegations against you or accept a plea deal.
Remember, fines and jail time are not the only punishments on the table. A drug charge, let alone a conviction, can limit your ability to work in certain industries, may put your driver’s license or gun rights in jeopardy, and could follow you around limiting your opportunities for the rest of your life. Putting up a strong defense is critical.
Every Step Of The Way
If you have been arrested, Attorney Michael R. Hughes will stand by you every step of the way, starting with your arraignment. This is your first court appearance at which you will be formally charged and bail may be set. He will work to secure your release so that you can participate in your defense.
Putting together a strong defense is critical. Attorney Hughes will start by conducting an extensive investigation that reveals what the police and prosecutors say you did. Hughes will review the police report and the evidence they have collected with a fine-tooth comb, identifying inconsistencies or potential mistakes by law enforcement.
- Did the police fail to read you your rights?
- Was evidence obtained without a proper search warrant?
- Were you coerced into making a confession?
- Was the stop unconstitutional?
It may be possible to suppress some of the evidence-based on improper police actions. Illegal police action can make any incriminating evidence they turn up inadmissible in court. If the only evidence against you was improperly obtained, the case against you may be quite weak.
If possible, he will also:
- Identify and interview potential defense witnesses
- Collect and preserve evidence
- Challenge any lab results or other evidence collected by law enforcement
Based on the strength of the defense Attorney Hughes has prepared, the government has dropped the charges in previous drug crime cases. In other cases, the government sees a likely conviction slipping away and offers a plea bargain. While Attorney Hughes is committed to completely clearing his clients’ names, he will carefully weigh the evidence against you and advise you if negotiating a plea bargain is a better option.
If your case is not dismissed, and you are not offered an acceptable plea bargain, Attorney Michael R. Hughes will aggressively defend your reputation at trial. He will force the government to shoulder the full burden of proof. Remember, they must prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Unless and until they do so, you remain innocent.
Throughout your case, it is critically important for you to speak openly with Attorney Michael R. Hughes. The information you share will not be used to judge you or make you feel bad about yourself. Anything you reveal will be held in the strictest confidence unless it can be used to help you defeat the charges against you.
An Attorney Who Understands Your Side
Attorney Michael R. Hughes has been at the forefront of the movement to legalize cannabis. He, more than any other drug crime attorney in the country, knows what it is like to navigate the complex web of laws regulating drugs. If you are facing criminal charges for cannabis-related crimes, please reach out today to schedule an initial consultation.
Hughes Law handles cannabis criminal defense cases throughout all of Oregon.