A buy/bust and a buy/walk case are two different types of undercover operations that law enforcement agencies use to combat drug trafficking.
In a buy/bust case, an undercover police officer or confidential information poses as a drug buyer and arranges to purchase illegal drugs from a suspect. Once the transaction is complete, other officers move in and arrest the suspect on the spot. This type of operation is designed to result in an immediate arrest and is often used to catch low-level drug dealers.
In contrast, a buy/walk case involves an undercover police officer or confidential informant posing as a drug buyer, but instead of making an immediate arrest, the surveillance officers allows the suspect to walk away after the transaction is complete. The goal of a buy/walk operation is to gather evidence against higher-level drug traffickers and to build a stronger case against them.
In a buy/walk case, the undercover officer or confidential informant will typically attempt to establish a relationship with the suspect and continue to purchase drugs from them over a period of time. This allows law enforcement agencies to gather more evidence, such as the identity of other drug suppliers, the location of drug trap houses, and the methods of drug distribution.
The main difference between a buy/bust and a buy/walk case is the amount of evidence that law enforcement agencies are able to gather against suspects. A buy/bust case is designed to result in a quick arrest, but may not yield much additional evidence beyond the drugs found on the suspect at the time of arrest. A buy/walk case, on the other hand, allows law enforcement agencies to gather more evidence over time, which can be used to build a stronger case against higher-level drug traffickers.
If you are a defendant in a controlled buy case, your ultimate goal is to avoid conviction. Here are some effective strategies that you can use to increase your chances of winning your case from the defendant’s point of view.
- Hire a Skilled Criminal Defense Lawyer
The first and most important step in winning a controlled buy bust case is to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer. A competent lawyer can help you understand the legal system, evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case against you, and identify
any weaknesses in their evidence or arguments. Your lawyer can also provide you with legal guidance and representation throughout the entire process, from arrest to trial. The McShane Firm has been fighting these types of cases for over 20 years. Experience matters.
- Challenge the Evidence
One of the most important things you can do to win a controlled buy case is to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution. For example, your lawyer may want to examine the seized drugs as sometimes the drugs disappear or get used by police officers. The news reports show the sad truth that officers also are addicts and they will used seized drugs to feed their habits knowing that very few attorneys demand to see the evidence. If the drugs are missing, it could weaken the prosecution’s case. Additionally, you may want to question whether the government can produce the money used to make the controlled buy at trial. Police officers also on occasion pocket money. Also, was there video surveillance and if so what did it actually show as experience shows that very infrequently does it show a hand to hand exchange. By questioning the evidence, you can expose any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and increase your chances of winning.
- Challenge the Charges
In some cases, it may be possible to challenge the charges themselves. For example, you may be able to argue that the controlled buy was not properly conducted or that you were not in possession of the drugs at the time of the arrest. Your lawyer can help you determine whether this is a viable option in your case.
- Argue Entrapment
Another strategy that you may want to consider is to argue entrapment. This occurs when law enforcement officers induce a person to commit a crime that they would not have committed otherwise. If you can prove that you were entrapped by law enforcement officers, you may be able to have the charges against you dismissed.
- Seek a Plea Bargain
If the evidence against you is strong and your chances of winning the case are low, you may want to consider seeking a plea bargain. This involves negotiating with the prosecution to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. Your lawyer can help you determine whether this is a viable option in your case.
In conclusion, winning a controlled buy case requires a combination of legal strategies and a skilled criminal defense lawyer. By challenging the evidence and charges, arguing entrapment, seeking a plea bargain, and hiring an experienced lawyer, you can increase your chances of a favorable outcome in your case. Don’t hesitate to contact The McShane Firm as your choice for a criminal defense lawyer. Get us involved as soon as possible if you are facing a controlled buy case.
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