Hillsboro Drug Possession Defense Attorneys

Aggressively Defending Your Rights & Freedom

Drug possession is a serious crime in Oregon. If you are convicted, you could face jail time, fines, and other penalties. A conviction will also result in a permanent criminal record, which can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses. If you have been arrested for drug possession, it is important that you take the situation seriously and seek legal representation right away.

At Cornerstone Law Group, our drug possession defense lawyers in Hillsboro have extensive experience representing clients in Washington County and the surrounding areas. We understand the gravity of the situation you are facing, and we are prepared to fight aggressively for you. Our attorneys are skilled litigators who are not afraid to take your case to trial, and we have a proven track record of success. We are available to take your call 24/7, and we offer free initial consultations. Se habla español.

If you have been charged with drug possession, call Cornerstone Law Group at (503) 461-5005 or contact us online to request a free consultation with our drug possession defense attorneys in Hillsboro.

What Is Drug Possession?

Drug possession is a crime in Oregon. You can be charged with this offense if you are found to be in possession of a controlled substance. This includes illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine, as well as prescription medications that you do not have a valid prescription for.

Under Oregon law, you can be charged with drug possession if you knowingly:

• Have a controlled substance on your person
• Have a controlled substance in your home or vehicle
• Have a controlled substance in a location that you have control over, such as a storage unit

It is important to note that you can be charged with drug possession even if you do not have any drugs on your person. If drugs are found in your home, vehicle, or another location that you have control over, you can be charged with this offense. This is true even if the drugs do not belong to you.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Oregon?

Drug possession is a Class A misdemeanor in Oregon. If you are convicted, you could face the following penalties:

• Up to 1 year in jail
• Fines of up to $6,250

These are the maximum penalties for a first-time drug possession conviction. If you have prior drug convictions on your record, you could face enhanced penalties. For example, a second drug possession conviction is a Class C felony, which is punishable by up to 5 years in prison and fines of up to $125,000.

In addition to these penalties, a drug possession conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. This can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses. It can also impact your ability to obtain student loans, and it can result in the loss of certain civil rights, such as the right to vote or own a firearm.

What Is the Difference Between Personal Possession and Joint Possession?

In drug possession cases, the distinction between personal and joint possession can significantly impact the outcome. Personal possession applies when an individual has direct control over a substance, such as drugs found on their person or in belongings they exclusively use. This indicates that the individual knowingly had both awareness and control over the drugs.

Joint possession, however, occurs when two or more people share knowledge and control over an illegal substance. Even if only one person physically holds the drug, anyone with shared awareness and authority over the drug's location or usage can be charged. For instance, if drugs are found in a shared car or apartment, multiple individuals might face joint possession charges, provided they knowingly permitted or controlled the substance. In such cases, demonstrating lack of knowledge or control can be crucial in mounting a defense.

How Can a Drug Possession Defense Lawyer Help?

If you have been charged with drug possession, you need an experienced defense attorney on your side. At Cornerstone Law Group, we can help you understand your rights and options, and we can guide you through the legal process. Our drug possession defense lawyers in Hillsboro will conduct a thorough investigation into your case, and we will work tirelessly to build the strongest possible defense on your behalf.

Depending on the circumstances, we may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed by:

• Challenging the legality of the search that led to your arrest
• Challenging the admissibility of the evidence against you
• Arguing that the drugs did not belong to you
• Arguing that you did not know the drugs were in your possession
• Arguing that you did not know the drugs were illegal

If you are facing drug possession charges, do not wait to get the legal help you need. Call our drug possession defense attorneys in Hillsboro today for a free consultation.

If you have been charged with drug possession, call Cornerstone Law Group at (503) 461-5005 or contact us online to request a free consultation with our drug possession defense attorneys in Hillsboro.