William G. Yarborough

Are roadside drug tests always reliable?

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Being arrested for possession of drugs in South Carolina is a serious offense. These are charges that can result in probation, fines, and even time spent in prison. For this reason, you need to take these charges seriously. You may believe that you were arrested as the result of a faulty roadside drug test. If so, you can challenge these results.

Not all drug testing is necessarily accurate

Roadside testing is a method that the police use to determine who should be arrested on drug charges. These tests have been manufactured for the express purpose of revealing the presence of illegal drugs. They usually consist of several chemicals which can then be mixed with traces of illegal substances.

The idea is that, when the mixture takes place, the solution will turn a certain color. This will reveal whether the substance suspected of being cocaine or heroin is truly the genuine article. However, the results of these tests are not always accurate.

A recent test was done with chocolate standing in for heroin. The result was positive. As a result, the quality of the provided test kit was called into question. Further studies have shown that these kits are made in mass quantities. The materials that are used are not the most reliable.

You can challenge your drug test results

There is no reason to simply accept that your charges are ironclad. On the contrary, these roadside drug tests have been shown to be faulty on numerous occasions. This is why you have the option to make your response proactive. The fact that so many of these tests have proved to be unreliable can form a very significant part of your defense.

The time and place at which these results were gathered should be discussed. The level of experience that the arresting officer may have with these tests should also be examined. You may also wish to get clarification on how well this test has performed in the past. These are all factors which can help to cast doubt on whether you should be convicted.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I need a lawyer?

If you have been charged with a crime, arrested, or under investigation then you need a lawyer.

When you’re charged with a crime, there may be potential penalties that you’re not aware of. But there are ways to defend against the charges, too. Your lawyer can strategize for your case. They can represent you in court and to the prosecutor, putting their expertise to work for you.

Even if the charges don’t seem significant now, they may affect you in the future. Your lawyer defends your freedom and your best interests. If you’re facing a criminal charge or police investigation, contact a criminal defense lawyer.

What steps should I take immediately to protect my rights?

If you’re arrested or charged with a crime, be polite – but don’t consent to any search. Politely say that you refuse to answer any questions. Don’t resist the law enforcement officer.

Exercise your right to remain silent. This includes law enforcement officers before and after the arrest. It also means not talking to others at the police station, your friends, extended family, and social media. The things you say can be used against you.

Ask to contact your lawyer. Then call us right away. We can represent you at your next court hearing. Save everything that you think may be relevant to the case.

How long will my case take?

Every case has a different timeline depending on the severity and facts of the case. Some criminal charges can be resolved in just a few weeks. Others can take several months.

As your lawyer, William G. Yarborough will help you balance the various factors. It can take time to build defenses and/or negotiate a favorable plea agreement. It may be worth it to wait to go to trial. Other times, it’s best to take a plea deal.

What’s right for you depends on multiple factors. Attorney Yarborough can advise you on what he thinks is your best course of action.

Will my case go to trial?

There may be non-trial options available to you. You may secure a plea bargain or a pre-trial case diversion. Sometimes, preliminary motions can result in charges being dismissed.

However, you always have the right to a trial. In a trial, the prosecutor must prove the charges against you beyond a reasonable doubt.

Most cases don’t end up going to trial. But what matters is your case. Attorney Yarborough will work with you on a personalized case plan that reflects your interests and goals.

If your case does go to trial, Attorney William G. Yarborough is prepared to aggressively defend you in court.

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