Drug Crime Attorney in Los Angeles

Illegal Search & Seizure

Drug possession, distribution, and possession of drug paraphernalia are serious drug crimes that can result in jail or prison as well as steep fines. However, what some people do not know is that the evidence against them is not always valid or gained legally. According to the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, people are protected against "unreasonable searches and seizures" of their person, home, and belongings. It is against the law for authorities to perform a search or issue a warrant without probable cause. This section of the Bills of Rights essentially limits the power law enforcement has to make arrests and search homes and vehicles.

If any drugs or drug paraphernalia were discovered on your person or in your car, home, or business, but the search was conducted without probably cause, that evidence cannot be used against you. For example, if you were pulled over by police, it is illegal for them to search your car based on a hunch. Even if they do find something incriminating in your vehicle, it cannot be used in court. However, if the evidence was in "plain view," the constitutes a legal search and seizure.

How a Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer Could Help

Although this is here to protect people, illegal search and seizures still happen. Talk to a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney if your constitutional rights were violated in this way. Our firm is dedicated to standing up for the rights of those who were victims of unreasonable searches and can help them fight against it. By talking to someone from Martinian & Associates, we could determine if there were any illegal practices during your arrest or in investigation leading up to your arrest.

Contact a Los Angeles drug crime lawyer from our firm if you were arrested.