Drug Crime Lawyers in Northwest Indiana
Aggressive Defense Against Drug Crime Charges
According to FBI statistics, law enforcement agencies nationwide arrested more than 1.5 million people for drug offenses in 2019. Those arrests resulted in state and federal charges ranging from misdemeanors for possession of small amounts of drugs to more serious felonies with lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines.
If you’re charged with a drug crime, you need to retain experienced legal counsel who can help develop a defense. The team of criminal defense attorneys at Alvarez Law Office, serving South Bend and Indianapolis, Indiana, stands ready to represent you. We will protect your constitutional rights at every phase of the proceedings.
Call Alvarez Law Offices today at (219) 300-5204 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our drug crime attorneys in Northwest Indiana!
Alvarez Law Office has two former prosecutors on staff. Andy Kyres and Herb Shaps know the tactics and methods of the prosecution. We use that knowledge to provide an expert criminal defense. Don’t leave your freedom to chance. Trust a firm with decades of experience to fight for your rights. Whether you’ve been accused of a misdemeanor or a felony, call the Alvarez Law Office in Crown Point before you make any statement to police or prosecutor. You have the right to have a lawyer present and it will be to your advantage to exercise that right.
What Are Drug Crimes?
At Alvarez Law, we handle a full range of drug-related accusations, including charges related to cocaine, crack, heroin and other opiates and opioids, ecstasy, methamphetamine, pain killers, club drugs, hallucinogens, and marijuana, including charges of
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Sale and distribution of drugs
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug cultivation
- Drug importation
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
We've Recovered Billions for Clients
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$15 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$8.5 Million Semi-Truck Accident
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$4 Million Steel Mill Explosion
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$3.55 Million Injured Tradesmen/Steelworker
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$3 Million Prescription Medical Defect
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$2.5 Million Amputation in Illinois
What to Do If You Are Arrested for a Drug Crime
Our best advice is to remain calm should you be placed under arrest for a drug crime. It is important to remember that a charge is an accusation, not a conviction. A charge is the first step in a process that affords you fundamental rights as a citizen. Under our country’s legal system, the government must prove its accusations beyond a reasonable doubt.
Often, your own words provide a basis for proof. It is also important to say as little as possible throughout the entire process of the arrest. Only your attorney should make any statements about the circumstances involved and only as part of official court proceedings. As soon as you receive an opportunity, you should contact a criminal defense attorney, such as a member of the criminal defense team at Alvarez Law Office.
Common Defenses Against Drug Charges
When facing drug charges, several defenses may be applicable based on the specifics of your case. A knowledgeable drug defense attorney will assess your situation and explore the following common defenses:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: If law enforcement acquired evidence against you through an unlawful search or seizure, there may be grounds to suppress that evidence during the trial.
- Lack of Knowledge: If you were unaware that drugs were present in your location or possession, this may serve as a valid defense.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement persuaded you to commit a drug-related offense that you would not have otherwise engaged in, you might have a legitimate entrapment defense.
- Possession for Personal Use vs. Distribution: Demonstrating that the amount of drugs in question was for personal use rather than distribution can significantly alter the severity of charges.
- Medical Necessity: A medical necessity defense may apply in cases involving certain substances, arguing that you possessed the drugs for legitimate medical purposes.
Each case is distinct, and the most effective defense will hinge on your arrest's unique facts and circumstances. Partnering with an experienced attorney at Alvarez Law Office is essential for crafting a solid defense strategy that aligns with your situation.
Exercise your right to an attorney and call us or contact us online today. Your initial consultation is free.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me with a personal injury case and did a superb job. Everyone from the office staff to Walter Alvarez are very personable and friendly. My experience was great. Shout out to Steven Alvarez for a great job! Thank you so much!- Marci W.
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The whole entire staff IS GREAT from the front desk to the top. Very nice very friendly honest and reliable!- Joseph L.
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- Hailey S.
Brandon was great at getting back to me and answering all of my questions. It was nice having someone that would answer 24-7 and Attorney Alvarez got me a great resolution on my case.
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The office staff was always polite answering the phones. The paralegals are always there to answer my questions through email or by phone calls it may have taken time to get back to me but just had to be patient. The legal secretary called to go over and make sure I understood what and how it was going to be finalized. Attorney Steve Alvarez not settling and making sure he went the extra mile for me.- Brandy F.
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The Alvarez Law Office helped me settle a workers compensation case. I am very pleased with the results thus far! Brandon along with the paralegal staff have been very professional and friendly. If you are in need of legal representation, consider Alvarez Law Office. Thank you so much!- Laura J.
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I was in an awful wreck in January and I contacted Mr. Alvarez. He has been such a great attorney but an even better friend! From checking up on me and making time for calls with both of our busy schedules. I can honestly say in an awful circumstance Steve Alvarez did his absolute best at all times. I Highly recommend this attorney to anyone!!! Thank you- Collin S.
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My experience with the Alvarez Law office was outstanding. They took my case and completed it in a timely manner. Ms. Theresa was outstanding with my case and made sure that I had everything I needed. If anyone needs a law firm that would fight for you like no other this is the Law firm for you. Thank you Anna Gallo- Anna G.
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I recommend the Alvarez Law Office; Friendly, helpful, and needful advice and also very knowledgeable regarding workman's comp claims. I appreciated their professional representation and skill.- Faith F.
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Very pleased with this law firm Brandon has kept me updated throughout my case. Brandon and Nicole are Rock Star's. I would definitely encourage anyone to use this law firm. If you want a Rock Star lawyer then Brandon Morford at Alvarez Law that's the guy you need.- James C.
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Got me more money back than I expected for my injuries! Thanks Alvarez law firm. You guys are awesome!!!- Jerry G.
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Everyone that I have spoken with at Alvarez has been polite, positive, & professional. These interactions have inspired my confidence in this firm. It’s reassuring when you’re not well to have a team like this on your side. My attorney, Steven Alvarez a great communicator, very helpful, and kind. He has already been a huge help. I’m grateful I have Alvarez Law working on my behalf.- Lilly P.
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This is a firm you want on your side. They did an amazing job on my car accident case. They really are 24-7. Brandon answered all my questions promptly even on the weekends. Steven got me an amazing settlement. He is the man! He even got my medicals lowered. This is a powerhouse lawyer you want on your side.- Moses V.
What Will Alvarez Law Office Do for You?
Our team of criminal defense attorneys will stand up for you at every point during a case to protect your rights. We believe wholeheartedly in the presumption of innocence and conduct our cases accordingly. The government is granted enormous power and devotes extensive resources to enforcing criminal law. Our job is to hold government officials accountable for their obligations under the law.
We will question whether the evidence is sufficient for a conviction at every juncture. We will look at the circumstances of your initial contact with the police to determine if law enforcement officials acted adequately in stopping you and had probable cause for an arrest. We will question the location of the drugs, whether you had access to them, and their actual ownership. In addition, we will examine the case to look for signs of illegal entrapment and explore whether law enforcement officials adequately informed you about your rights. If government officials did not follow through with the required procedures at any one of those points, you may have grounds to have the charges dismissed.
If the case continues forward, prison is not a foregone conclusion. If you are a first offender, we can advocate for including you in a diversionary program instead of serving a jail sentence.
Diversionary programs exist to give individuals a second chance and provide resources for treatment if needed.
Support for Drug Abuse Recovery and Resources Available
Separately from the course of criminal charges, the attorney team at Alvarez Law Office also wants to help those struggling with drug abuse find the support they need. This help may involve seeking treatment support from a qualified rehab facility that can apply the latest thinking in addiction management to break the cycle.
The state recently created NextLevel Recovery Indiana, an online portal that centralizes resources available for those with substance abuse issues and provides professional support and knowledge for first responders, prescribers, and the community.
One of NextLevel Recovery’s programs focuses on diversion as an alternative to jail and support following a jail sentence. The program’s overarching goal is to reduce the number of repeat offenders by 20% by promoting recovery through community support treatment and intervention.
Contact Our Northwest Indiana Drug Crimes Attorney Today
Drug crimes carry substantial penalties in terms of prison time and fines. If you’ve received a drug crime accusation, you need legal representation right away. The criminal attorneys and professional staff at Alvarez Law Office offer extensive experience as defense counsel in drug-related and other criminal matters for clients across northwestern Indiana, including Crown Point, Merrillville, Hammond, Gary, and other parts of the Chicagoland area. We will evaluate your case and provide an unflinching assessment of the best steps forward while fighting for your rights.
Our team handles all types of felonies and misdemeanors and includes former prosecutors who understand how a case gets treated.
Contact Alvarez Law Offices today to meet with our drug crimes lawyer in Northwest Indiana!
