State and federal laws are extremely harsh on individuals who are convicted of selling, illegally importing, transporting, or otherwise possessing or distributing controlled substances such as marijuana, cocaine, heroine, methamphetamine, hallucinogens, and "club drugs". If you or a loved one has been accused of a drug crime, the best way to protect your interests is to obtain the early advice and legal counsel of a qualified and experienced criminal defense attorney.

As specialized criminal defense attorneys handling cases in Yuma, Arizona and Imperial County, CA, we represent individuals who have been charged with, or are under investigation for, drug smuggling, drug trafficking, and related offenses. Arizona and California, both border states, are considered high intensity drug trafficking areas. Arizona alone shares a 370-mile border with Mexico and is considered a national-level distribution center for controlled substances. It is also the second leading state (behind Texas) in the total quantity of illegal drugs seized in the United States (2002).

In Arizona and California, drug crimes are subject to increasingly severe penalties under state and federal laws. Several federal laws enacted in recent years including The Patriot Act and The Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000 also make it easier on law enforcement and tougher on those accused of drug offenses. Mandatory minimums have gotten increasingly stringent and incarceration rates have swelled under the so-called War on Drugs.

Criminal defense attorneys, like those at Bowman & Smith, are working hard to protect the constitutional rights and legal interests of those accused of drug smuggling, trafficking, and related crimes.

Whether you are a first time offender charged with possession of illegal substances for personal use or face much more serious charges, we are prepared to protect your rights and obtain the best results possible in your case. Our criminal defense attorneys have intimate knowledge of the strategies and techniques available to fight your case.

The following are some elements we will meticulously investigate to develop the best defense possible in your case:

• Your initial contact with law enforcement
  Did the officers act lawfully? Did they inform you of your legal rights? Were all search and seizure efforts conducted legitimately?

• Your arrest
  Did the officers have the right to arrest you? Were your legal rights protected during this process?

• The drugs
  Where were the drugs found? Can the prosecution prove your connection to/involvement with those drugs? Were you aware you actually had the drugs? Was a valid prescription used to obtain the drugs? Were you able to reach the drugs in the location where they were discovered? Whose drugs were they?

• Police behavior
  Did entrapment occur? Did the police inform you of your legal rights? Did they obey all search and seizure laws? Were their investigations conducted properly?

• The evidence
  Is there enough evidence to convict you? Was the evidence handled properly?

These and other elements of your case will be examined to determine the best way to proceed in protecting your best interests. You need an attorney with the utmost experience and skill, so that you have the best chance at avoiding or reducing serious penalties. We are effective negotiators, but are not afraid to fight tough when it comes to protecting your legal interests. We have dealt with snitches, bad cops, and aggressive prosecutors. We understand what it takes to seek justice for you. Please contact us to obtain a FREE consultation with the renowned and highly experienced attorneys at Bowman & Smith.

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