Why Roanoke Prosecutors Aggressively Pursue Charges In Heroin Related Cases

This is the next post in my series on the handling of heroin related charges in Roanoke, Virginia. My last article discussed the possibility of resolving heroin charges through plea negotiations. It is important to understand that there are times when an accused person may not have a viable defense and it is then in their best interests to resolve the matter. It is vital that you retain an experienced criminal defense lawyer to assist you with any negotiations. In this article I will discuss why prosecutors aggressively pursue charges in these types of cases. Contact my office today to speak with a lawyer if you or a loved one have been arrested.

The reason why prosecutors pursue such charges is obvious. In today?s society it is difficult to turn on the news without hearing about the ?opioid crisis.? The rise in addiction and overdoses is considered as having reached epidemic level proportions. As such, prosecutors are under immense public pressure to ?do their part? in handling such situations. This is why charges involving simple possession of heroin can result in a felony conviction and imprisonment. This is also why trafficking in the substance will result in serious consequences and possibly even federal criminal charges.

Many individuals consider drug possession to be a ?victimless crime.? While there are those who share this opinion, it is important to understand that prosecutors do not. Defendants who have this viewpoint are sometimes surprised to learn of the extent to which a conviction will be pursued. If you or a loved one have been arrested with heroin then it is vital that you realize that the matter is a ?big deal? and that you seek immediate representation. While the public?s opinion of marijuana may be changing rapidly, opinions in regard to heroin remain tough.

It is crucial to understand that you have options after an arrest. I have previously discussed that heroin related arrests are sometimes the result of an illegal search and seizure. Also, it is the prosecution?s burden to prove the defendant?s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; an accused individual is not required to prove their innocence. So, while prosecutors do aggressively pursue charges in such matters, it is important to remember that there are steps which you can take to ensure that your rights remain protected.

Contact my office today to speak with a Roanoke criminal defense attorney. I am experienced in handling such matters and I will give your case the attention it deserves. We also serve the cities of Cave Spring, Salem, the Botetourt County city of Hollins, the Bedford County cities of Bedford and Forest, the Franklin County city of Rocky Mount, and the Montgomery County cities of Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and Radford.