Over 50 and Accused of Illicit Drug Use? Here’s What to Do

Adults over 50 can be arrested for illegal drugs too

Society often associates the use of illicit drugs with teens and young adults, but the truth is the practice is on the rise among older adults.

According to information from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s national survey, drug use among teens has dropped almost 10 percent, but has more than doubled since 2002 among those aged 50 to 54, and more than tripled among those aged 55 to 59.

Despite the ongoing efforts to educate the public about drug use, people still turn to drugs for a variety of reasons. But what happens when your use or a loved one’s use of an illegal drug results in legal action?

Are drug charges any less serious when you’re an older adult?

The answer is “no.”

Regardless of your age, it’s important to speak to an experienced criminal attorney if you’ve been charged with a drug crime. Assuming the court system will go easy on you because you’re older or thinking you can provide a judge with a “reasonable excuse” for using illegal drugs puts your future and freedom at risk.

Why is it so important to work with an attorney?

Consider the Drug Charges against You and Potential Criminal Defenses

Drug charges vary a great deal based on the amount of the drug in your possession when arrested and what type of drug it is. There are even instances in which you can be charged if you are in possession of a legal drug if the amount you have is significant enough.

If a law enforcement officer finds you in possession of a drug, depending on the type and the amount, you could be charged with:

• Possession
• Usage
• Distribution
• Trafficking
• Manufacturing
• Paraphernalia

For more information about drug charges and how they vary based on a number of different factors, check out this information from Nolo.com.

Defending Yourself against Drug Charges

Building your strongest defense against drug charges requires the assistance of an attorney. He or she will understand drug laws and have access to the resources you need to plead your case.

There are numerous arguments you can make against drug charges. For instance, a drug in your vehicle might actually belong to someone else.

It might also be possible to reduce the charges against you, especially in cases of trafficking or distribution. This reduction can be significant and mean the difference between serving time in jail and facing only probation, depending on the type of drug in question.

And if the search used to find drugs in your possession is illegal, the charges against you can be thrown out.

Every case is different, which is one of the reasons it’s so important to work with an experienced attorney. You need someone working to protect your rights and ensuring you have the strongest defense possible.

If you’re an older adult and have questions about drug charges you are facing, or a loved one has been arrested with drugs in his or her possession, contact David Lindsey to schedule a consultation.

Source: https://abcnews.go.com/US/drug-drops-americas-youth-rises-50-crowd/story?id=20155714