Drug Crime Attorney

Compassionate and Strategic Defense for Drug Offenses

Drug charges are among the most common criminal offenses, yet they carry a complexity and a potential for harsh punishment that often catches people off guard. From simple possession of marijuana to complex federal trafficking indictments, the war on drugs has created a legal landscape filled with pitfalls for the accused. At the Law Office of George Renneberg, we view drug offenses through a lens of both legal scrutiny and human compassion. We understand that addiction is a health issue, not a moral failing, and that many people caught in the system are good individuals struggling with dependency or financial hardship. Our goal is to protect your freedom while also helping you address the underlying issues that may have led to the arrest.

The first line of defense in almost every drug case is the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution, which protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. Drug cases are uniquely dependent on how the evidence was found. Did the officer have probable cause to stop your car? Did they have a valid warrant to search your home? Did you actually consent to the search, or were you coerced? George Renneberg is meticulous in analyzing the police procedure leading up to your arrest. If the police violated your constitutional rights to find the drugs, we file motions to suppress that evidence. If the evidence is thrown out, the case often falls apart. We have successfully challenged search warrants and traffic stops, turning seemingly unwinnable cases into dismissals.

We also examine the concept of “possession.” Just because drugs were found near you—in a car you were riding in or a house you were visiting—does not mean they belonged to you. Constructive possession is a legal gray area that prosecutors often try to exploit. We force them to prove that you had both knowledge of the drugs and control over them. If you borrowed a friend’s car and didn’t know what was in the glove box, you should not be held criminally liable. We fight to ensure that mere proximity is not confused with guilt.

The severity of drug charges often hinges on the weight and type of the substance, as well as the presence of items like scales or baggies that suggest “intent to distribute.” We challenge these classifications aggressively. Prosecutors often overcharge, turning a simple possession case into a felony distribution case to pressure the defendant into a plea deal. We push back against these tactics. We argue for the charges to reflect the reality of the situation, often getting felonies reduced to misdemeanors. We also scrutinize the lab reports. We demand proof that the substance seized is actually what the police claim it is and that the weighing and testing procedures were accurate.

For clients who are struggling with addiction, our focus shifts to rehabilitation and diversion. Many jurisdictions now recognize that prison is not the answer for drug dependency. We are well-versed in the various drug court programs and diversionary options available in our area. These programs often allow you to receive treatment and counseling instead of going to jail. Upon successful completion, the charges may be dropped entirely, leaving you with a clean record. We advocate fiercely for your admission into these programs, presenting you to the court as a candidate who is motivated to change and deserving of a second chance. We help guide you through the process, viewing ourselves as partners in your recovery as well as your legal defense.

However, not all drug cases involve addiction. Some involve allegations of manufacturing, cultivation, or large-scale trafficking. These are high-stakes cases that often attract the attention of federal authorities. If you are facing federal drug charges, you need an attorney who understands the federal sentencing guidelines and the specific procedural rules of federal court. George Renneberg has the experience to navigate this harsher system. We work to minimize the “relevant conduct” that judges use to determine sentences and fight against mandatory minimums. We challenge the credibility of confidential informants, who are often working for the police to save their own skins and may not be telling the truth.

A drug conviction can have collateral consequences that last a lifetime. It can make you ineligible for federal student aid, bar you from public housing, and destroy your career prospects. This is why we take even minor drug charges seriously. We are thinking about your long-term future. We explore every avenue to keep a conviction off your record, including conditional discharges and “files on hold” agreements. We want you to be able to move forward with your life without the anchor of a drug record holding you back.

At the Law Office of George Renneberg, we provide a judgment-free zone. We know that good people can get mixed up with drugs. We treat every client with dignity and respect. When you hire us, you are not just hiring a lawyer; you are hiring an advocate who cares about your well-being. We listen to your story, we understand your struggles, and we fight for an outcome that prioritizes your health and your freedom. Whether it is fighting an illegal search in court or negotiating for a treatment program, we are dedicated to securing the best possible result for you.

Do not let a drug arrest define your future. There is hope, and there are options. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time and come out the other side with your life intact. Contact us today to start building your defense.