What amount of drugs can get you arrested?

Sometimes it seems as though drug arrests can be made on even the slightest hint of possession. This can include for something as small as mere residue remaining on the surface of something like a pipe. So, what, exactly, is the minimum amount of drugs that can end in an arrest and conviction? Is there such a thing as “too little” an amount of drugs when it comes to these issues?

The answer to this question depends upon the substance in question, but in general you can be arrested for even the slightest hint of drug residue. This has been upheld in a wide array of Alabama case law, including Coslett v. State (1993), Walters v. State (1991) and Dooley v. State (1990). In each of these cases, the defendant was in possession of minuscule amounts of drugs. In Dooley v. State, the drug evidence wasn’t even found until plumbing from underneath the defendant’s home was disassembled and tested.

With that said, it is possible to avoid a drug arrest in certain circumstances. In Boyington v. State, for example, it was declared that the mere scent of marijuana is not necessarily probable cause for an arrest. That means that if you have been arrested in these circumstances, it is important to reach out to an attorney who understands how to ensure your rights are upheld.

At The Bloomston Firm, our experienced lawyers understand the drug possession laws. We can move quickly to help ensure that you receive the best outcome possible. For more information, reach out to us today at 205-212-9700!