DRUG CRIMES
DRUG CRIMES LAWYER IN LITTLE ROCK, AR
JOHN C. COLLINS
STRONG CRIMINAL REPRESENTATION IN ARKANSAS WITH OFFICES IN LITTLE ROCK, MOUNTAIN HOME, & TEXARKANA
Being arrested is a scary and confusing experience. On top of the shock of being arrested, you are also faced with the overwhelming process of finding a criminal lawyer to represent you in court. This is not something that should be taken lightly, especially when so much is riding on the outcome of your case.
Our criminal defense attorneys in Little Rock offer a fighting chance when it comes to your criminal charges. We are trial lawyers who do not take cases to settle. We take on only the most serious cases with the highest stakes. These types of cases require an aggressive team who isn’t afraid to stand up and fight for clients at trial. Our results-driven, whatever-it-takes legal representation has helped individuals across Arkansas with a variety of needs.
BRIAN W. RAY
EXPERIENCED CRIMINAL DEFENSE IN ARKANSAS WITH OFFICES IN LITTLE ROCK, MOUNTAIN HOME, & TEXARKANA
A long-time Arkansan, Mr. Ray graduated summa cum laude from Henderson State University before earning his Juris Doctor from the William H. Bowen School of Law, where he is qualified for membership to the Who’s Who Among American Law students.
Mr. Ray has earned the respect of both his clients and peers by being named to the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers by Martindale-Hubbel for demonstrating the highest possible ethical standards and legal ability. He has earned a rating of “10.0 – Superb” from the online legal directory, Avvo, where peers and clients have posted their rankings in terms of knowledge, trustworthiness, responsiveness, and keeping clients informed.
Brian W. Ray's History As A Criminal Defense Attorney
Brian has nearly thirty years of experience handling serious drug and alcohol cases in nearly all aspects of the criminal justice system.
His work in this area of the law began in 1989 when he became a Certified Police Officer making individual narcotics arrests, and also serving as the “number one entry man” on the SWAT team for drug task force (DTF) “no-knock” warrants. Brian also worked on drug crimes while assigned to the Street Crimes Narcotics Division, and later drafted and executed search warrants while serving as a Detective. Also while serving as an Advanced Certified Police Officer he received many personal commendations and awards and attended Advanced Drug Training from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) & US Department of Justice before graduating Summa Cum Laude from Henderson State University and obtaining his Juris Doctorate from the William H. Bowen School of Law where he was named to membership in the Who’s Who Among American Law Students. While still in law school, Brian worked for the Attorney Generals’ Office where he assisted in working on behalf of law enforcement agencies, and also worked for one of the most prominent attorneys in the state handling drug and alcohol crimes. Later, as a licensed attorney, he served as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney where he obtained numerous convictions of those arrested for possession of controlled substances. While still a new attorney defending drug cases, Brian represented one of two commercial truck drivers in Federal Court charged with possessing over a ton (2213 pounds) of 82% pure cocaine while traveling on Interstate 30 and across a good part of the country. That cocaine seizure was deemed to be worth an estimated $125,000,000, and still represents one of the largest seizures of cocaine in the State.
When partnering with John & Brandi Collins to form CCR Law Firm in early 2015, Brian began putting his significant law enforcement and criminal justice experience to work for those contacting the firm after being accused of alcohol and drug crimes, including driving while intoxicated (DWI). Because of the firm’s focus, Brian also went to work to systematically further his extensive and advanced training to more heavily focus on these highly specialized cases. With his unique experience gained over decades in the criminal justice system, Brian has now embraced several opportunities to pass his hard-won knowledge along to other attorneys seeking to learn more about drug and alcohol cases after attending many DWI-specific training seminars throughout the country.
Mr. Ray has earned the respect of both his clients and peers by being named to the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers by Martindale-Hubbel for demonstrating the highest possible ethical standards and legal ability. And, he has earned a rating of “10.0 – Superb” from the online legal directory, Avvo, where peers and clients have posted their rankings in terms of knowledge, trustworthiness, responsiveness, and keeping clients informed.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Brian served in the United States Marine Corps with First Battalion Fifth Marines and still enjoys telling others of the unit’s motto, which is: “Make Peace or Die”! Additionally, Mr. Ray has worked as a Special Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The Arkansas Trial Lawyers Association, and The Arkansas Bar Association while serving as an attorney licensed in state and federal courts to include Arkansas, Texas and the United States Supreme Court. He is a regularly sought-out speaker for legal education seminars for attorneys and enjoys winning cases at trial.
CASES WE HANDLE
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LITTLE ROCK DRUG POSSESSION LAWYER
AGGRESSIVE DRUG POSSESSION DEFENSE IN LITTLE ROCK & CONWAY
Drug possession is a serious offense in Little Rock. Even a minor drug possession charge can result in severe legal consequences. A conviction for drug possession can result in a permanent criminal record, steep fines, and even jail time. If you are facing drug possession charges, it is crucial that you seek legal representation from a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
At Collins, Collins & Ray, our team of Little Rock drug possession lawyers is committed to helping our clients fight their charges. We have extensive experience handling drug possession cases, and we understand the various defense strategies that are effective in these types of cases. When you choose us to represent you, we will thoroughly investigate the details of your arrest, gather and evaluate all evidence, and help you build a strong defense case. Our lawyers will fight tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed entirely, and we will do everything in our power to help you avoid a conviction.
If you have been charged with drug possession in Little Rock, call (501) 392-5007 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation with a skilled drug possession lawyer.
ARKANSAS DRUG POSSESSION LAWS
Arkansas law prohibits the possession of controlled substances. Controlled substances are drugs that are regulated by the government, and they are divided into five different categories, or “schedules.” Schedule I drugs are considered to be the most dangerous, while Schedule V drugs are considered to have the least potential for abuse.
Arkansas law defines the penalties for drug possession as follows:
- First Offense: Class D Felony, punishable by up to 6 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- Second Offense: Class C Felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- Subsequent Offenses: Class B Felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000
The penalties for drug possession are much more severe if the defendant is in possession of a large quantity of drugs, has a prior drug-related conviction on their record, or if the alleged drug possession occurred in a drug-free zone.
Arkansas law defines the penalties for drug possession with intent to deliver as follows:
- First Offense: Class C Felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $10,000
- Subsequent Offenses: Class B Felony, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $15,000
It is important to note that these penalties apply to the possession of almost all controlled substances, including marijuana. However, the penalties for marijuana possession are even more severe. If you are found to be in possession of fewer than 4 ounces of marijuana, you will be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. If you are found to be in possession of more than 4 ounces of marijuana, you will be charged with a Class D felony. The penalties for marijuana possession are further enhanced if the alleged possession occurred within 1,000 feet of a school or a daycare center.
Defenses Against Multiple DUI & DWI Charges
Being charged with drug possession does not automatically mean that you will be convicted. There may be several effective defense strategies that can be used to fight your charges. At Collins, Collins & Ray, we have a comprehensive understanding of the various defense strategies that are effective in drug possession cases, and we know what it takes to win in the courtroom. When you hire us to represent you, we will conduct a thorough investigation into your arrest, and we will look for any evidence that can be used to support your defense. Our lawyers will aggressively litigate your case, and we will do everything in our power to help you beat your charges.
Some common defense strategies that can be used in drug possession cases include:
- Illegal search and seizure: Law enforcement officers are required to follow certain rules and regulations when they conduct a search and seizure. If the evidence against you was obtained illegally, we can file a motion to have it suppressed, which means that it cannot be used against you in court.
- Lack of knowledge: The prosecution must be able to prove that you had knowledge of the drugs that were in your possession. If they are unable to do so, we can argue that you should not be convicted of drug possession.
- Constructive possession: The prosecution must also be able to show that you had dominion and control over the drugs that were in your possession. If they are unable to do so, we can argue that you should not be convicted of drug possession.
- Drugs were not in your possession: If the drugs were not in your possession at the time of your arrest, we can argue that you should not be convicted of drug possession.
- Crime lab analysis: The prosecution must be able to prove that the drugs in question were actually illegal drugs. We can request that the drugs be analyzed by a crime lab, and if the results of the analysis are inconclusive, we can argue that you should not be convicted of drug possession.
HOW COLLINS, COLLINS & RAY CAN HELP YOU
The consequences of a drug possession conviction can be severe. In addition to the legal penalties, a drug possession conviction will result in a permanent criminal record. This can make it difficult to find employment, secure housing, and obtain professional licenses. At Collins, Collins & Ray, we understand what is at stake in these types of cases, and we are committed to helping our clients avoid a conviction.
When you hire us to represent you, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into your arrest
- Gather and evaluate all evidence
- Help you understand your legal rights and options
- Answer all of your questions and address all of your concerns
- Provide you with the personalized legal representation that you deserve
- Build a strong defense strategy on your behalf
- Negotiate with the prosecution to have your charges reduced or dismissed
- Represent you in all court proceedings
- Fight tirelessly to help you avoid a conviction
Our lawyers are highly skilled litigators, and we have a proven track record of success in the courtroom. When you choose us to represent you, we will aggressively litigate your case, and we will do everything in our power to win.
CALL OUR DRUG POSSESSION LAWYERS TODAY
If you have been charged with drug possession in Arkansas, do not hesitate to contact Collins, Collins & Ray for legal representation. Our Little Rock drug possession attorneys have extensive experience, and we know what it takes to win in the courtroom. We will fight tirelessly to have your charges reduced or dismissed, and we will do everything in our power to help you avoid a conviction.
Call (501) 392-5007 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation with a skilled Little Rock drug possession lawyer.
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
National Association of Distinguished Counsel Top One Percent: John Collins 2015, 2020, 2021
AY Magazine’s Arkansas Best Lawyers: Brian Ray 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Super Lawyers (Thomson Reuters): John Collins 2014, 2015, 2018-2021
Arkansas Life Magazine’s – Top Attorneys: John C. Collins 2016, 2019
American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys – 10 Best Client Satisfaction: John C. Collins 2016
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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