‎What Happens After a Drug Arrest in Brazil | Criminal Defense

What Happens After a Drug Arrest in Brazil

Understanding Drug Arrests in Brazil: What You Need to Know First

A drug arrest in Brazil sets in motion a legal process that is significantly more complex, and considerably more consequential, than many people realize — especially foreigners who find themselves caught up in circumstances they may not fully understand. Brazilian drug law operates within a dual framework that treats the user and the trafficker under entirely different legal logic. Yet, the dividing line between these two categories is not always obvious. The reality is that a single encounter with law enforcement can rapidly escalate from a minor detention into a formal criminal prosecution carrying years of imprisonment, depending on how the situation is handled in the critical hours following the arrest.

Brazil's legal system classifies drug-related conduct under a comprehensive federal statute that has undergone significant interpretation by the country's highest courts. This statute establishes specific criteria for distinguishing between someone carrying drugs for personal use and someone involved in the supply chain. Yet those criteria remain profoundly subjective in practice, leaving enormous discretion to police officers, prosecutors, and judges. This subjectivity is precisely why obtaining experienced legal representation immediately after an arrest is not merely advisable — it is essential.

Whether you are a Brazilian national, an expatriate residing in the country, a tourist passing through, or a business traveler caught in an unexpected situation, the legal machinery that begins to move at the moment of arrest operates according to its own rhythm. Understanding what that process looks like — and where the pivotal decisions are made — is the foundation of any effective defense.

The Legal Distinction Between Possession and Trafficking

Brazilian drug legislation draws a formal distinction between two categories of conduct: carrying drugs for personal consumption and engaging in drug trafficking. While this distinction sounds clear in theory, its application in practice is far more nuanced. The law does not set a fixed quantity as the threshold between user and trafficker. Instead, it directs judges and police to consider a combination of factors: the nature and quantity of the substance found, the location and circumstances of the arrest, the individual's social and financial profile, prior criminal history, and whether the person had in their possession any equipment, cash, or other indicators associated with distribution.

This means that two people found with identical quantities of the same substance may receive entirely different legal treatment depending on who they are, where they were found, and who is making the initial assessment. A person detained near a known drug distribution point, or found with multiple small packages, or who cannot readily explain the origin of cash found on their person, may be classified as a trafficker regardless of their actual intentions. Conversely, a person whose profile and circumstances strongly suggest personal consumption may avoid a trafficking charge even when the quantity found exceeds what most people would use in a short period.

The consequence of this classification is decisive. A person treated as a user faces no criminal imprisonment under the current constitutional interpretation by Brazil's Supreme Federal Court, which has progressively moved toward a decriminalized framework for small quantities of certain substances. A person classified as a trafficker, however, faces one of the most severe sentencing ranges in Brazilian criminal law, with minimum penalties that preclude the substitution of imprisonment for alternative measures.

Your Constitutional Rights at the Moment of Arrest

Brazil's Federal Constitution provides robust guarantees to individuals at the moment of arrest, and those protections apply equally to nationals and foreign citizens. Every person detained has the right to be informed of the reasons for their arrest immediately. Every person has the right to remain silent and cannot be compelled to produce evidence against themselves. Every arrested person is entitled to access legal counsel, and if they cannot afford an attorney, the state is constitutionally obligated to provide a public defender.

Foreign nationals additionally have the right to be notified of their country's consular representation and to receive consular assistance. Under the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, which Brazil has ratified, authorities are obligated to inform the relevant consulate of a foreign national's detention without undue delay. This right can be critical: consular officers can assist with communication, help identify a qualified attorney, and ensure that family members are notified.

Perhaps the most important practical right at this stage is the right to silence. Everything a person says at the moment of arrest — including informal statements made before any formal questioning begins — can and frequently does become part of the police record. Even well-intentioned attempts to explain oneself can inadvertently establish facts that complicate the defense at a later stage. The standard professional recommendation is unequivocal: say nothing until an attorney is present.

What Happens in the First 24 Hours After a Drug Arrest

The first 24 hours following a drug arrest in Brazil are legally and strategically among the most consequential. Following the detention, the arrested person is taken to a police station (delegacia) where the case is registered, and a preliminary record is opened. The delegado, or police chief, is responsible for conducting the initial assessment of the facts and determining whether the arrest was lawful and whether the conduct constitutes a crime under applicable law.

In cases involving drug offenses caught in flagrante — meaning the person was caught in the act — Brazilian law requires that the arrested individual be presented before a judge within 24 hours for a custody hearing (audiência de custódia). This is a critical procedural moment. The judge examines the legality of the arrest, assesses the personal circumstances of the detainee, and decides whether continued preventive detention is warranted or whether the person should be released, potentially with conditions such as appearing regularly before authorities or surrendering their passport. This hearing is also the first opportunity for defense counsel to argue against pretrial detention.

The quality of legal representation at this stage can determine whether a person spends weeks or months in pretrial custody. Brazilian jails and prisons are severely overcrowded, and pretrial detention in drug trafficking cases — while not automatic — is frequently ordered when the judge perceives flight risk or social danger. A skilled attorney can present evidence of community ties, stable employment, a fixed address, and absence of prior criminal history to argue compellingly that preventive detention is disproportionate.

The Role of the Police Investigation

Following the initial arrest proceedings, the case enters the phase of the police investigation, known as the inquérito policial. This is a preliminary administrative inquiry — not yet a criminal trial — during which the delegado collects evidence, takes statements, and prepares a report to be forwarded to the prosecutor's office. In drug cases, the investigation typically includes forensic laboratory analysis of the seized substances, a detailed inventory of everything found at the scene, witness statements, and, in some cases, phone records or other surveillance data if the case involves organized distribution networks.

One of the most important and frequently overlooked aspects of the inquérito policial is that, unlike in criminal proceedings before a court, the suspect does not have the same adversarial rights to challenge evidence or confront witnesses at this stage. However, the defense attorney has the right to monitor the investigation, request access to case documents, and petition the delegado or the court to include evidence favorable to the defendant. Proactive engagement at this stage — rather than simply waiting for the investigation to conclude — can meaningfully shape what the prosecutor ultimately sees when deciding whether and how to charge the case.

Forensic analysis of seized substances is mandatory for a trafficking charge to proceed. If the laboratory confirms the nature of the substance, the inquiry is sent to the Public Ministry (Ministério Público), which has the exclusive authority to charge the individual formally. The prosecutor may charge for trafficking, for association for drug trafficking if there is evidence of organized activity, or for the lesser personal-use classification. The prosecutor's charging decision is not final; the defense retains the right to challenge the legal basis of the charges before the court.

Pretrial Detention, Bail, and Habeas Corpus in Drug Cases

Brazil's criminal procedure code allows for pretrial detention when a judge determines that it is necessary to protect public order, to ensure the proper conduct of the investigation, or when there is a concrete risk that the defendant will flee. In drug trafficking cases, courts frequently invoke the protection of public order as a justification for continued detention, particularly when the quantity of substances involved suggests commercial-scale distribution or when there are indications of gang affiliation.

Brazilian law does not operate a bail system in the Anglo-American sense, where money is deposited as a guarantee of appearance. Instead, release may be granted conditionally, with the judge imposing measures such as periodic reporting to a court officer, prohibition from leaving the country, surrender of the passport, or electronic monitoring. In cases where pretrial detention is ordered but the defense believes it to be unlawful or disproportionate, the constitutional remedy of habeas corpus is available. A habeas corpus petition can be filed directly with the court of appeals or with superior courts, seeking immediate release based on illegality or procedural error in the original detention order.

Experienced criminal defense attorneys in Brazil are well-acquainted with the strategic use of habeas corpus proceedings, which can produce results within days when properly constructed. The success of such a petition depends heavily on the lawyer's ability to identify the precise legal deficiency in the detention order and present that deficiency to the reviewing court in compelling terms.

How Brazilian Courts Classify Drug Offenses

Once the prosecutor files the formal criminal charge (denúncia), the case proceeds to the judicial phase before the competent court. Drug offenses in Brazil are heard by state criminal courts or federal courts, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. Crimes involving international trafficking, narcotics imported or exported across Brazilian borders, or cases involving federal territory or infrastructure fall under federal jurisdiction. Purely domestic cases are handled by state courts.

The trial process in Brazil is largely written rather than oral, though oral arguments play an increasingly significant role, particularly in jury trials for intentional crimes against life. Drug offenses are decided by a single judge rather than a jury. Both the prosecution and the defense present their cases through written submissions, and witnesses may be heard. The judge then renders a reasoned written decision applying the law to the facts established in the record.

During the judicial phase, the defense has the full range of procedural tools available: challenging the admissibility of evidence obtained in violation of constitutional guarantees, contesting the chain of custody of the seized substances, presenting expert evidence, calling witnesses, and making legal and factual arguments for acquittal or for a lesser classification of the offense. The quality and preparation of the defense at this stage are directly correlated with the outcome.

Penalties for Drug Trafficking Under Brazilian Law

Drug trafficking carries some of the most severe penalties in the Brazilian criminal code. The base penalty is imprisonment for a range of years, with a corresponding monetary fine. However, the law provides for both aggravating and mitigating circumstances that can significantly adjust the final sentence. Aggravating factors include trafficking across state lines, trafficking within educational institutions or premises used for minors, trafficking committed by armed individuals, and trafficking conducted within organized criminal networks. When these factors are present, the court is mandated to increase the base penalty.

Mitigating factors also play a critical role. A defendant who is a first-time offender with no criminal record, has good personal conduct, and whose participation in the offense was of minor significance may benefit from a substantial reduction of the applicable penalty. In practice, this mitigating provision has become one of the most heavily litigated aspects of drug trafficking cases, as the degree of reduction is discretionary and can mean the difference between a sentence that permits conditional release and one that requires full incarceration.

It bears noting that drug trafficking offenses are classified as heinous crimes (crimes hediondos) under Brazilian law, which brings a distinct set of restrictions: the sentenced person cannot enjoy any amnesty or pardon, and the minimum time served before eligibility for progression to a less restrictive regime is significantly longer than for ordinary offenses. This classification also affects the ability to obtain bail during appeals. The stakes, in other words, are extraordinarily high.

Alternative Sentences and Plea Agreements in Drug Cases

Brazilian criminal procedure has evolved considerably in recent years to incorporate mechanisms that allow for more flexible resolution of criminal cases, including those involving drug offenses. The colaboração premiada, or plea cooperation agreement, is an instrument by which a defendant provides substantial assistance to authorities in identifying and dismantling criminal organizations in exchange for sentence reductions, the possibility of serving the sentence under house arrest, or, in some cases, full immunity from prosecution. These agreements require careful negotiation and are governed by specific procedural requirements; a poorly structured agreement can expose the cooperating individual to risks they did not anticipate.

For first-time offenders convicted of trafficking in smaller quantities and without aggravating circumstances, the law provides for the possibility of a reduced sentence served under a semi-open or open regime, meaning the convicted person may work outside the prison during the day and return at night or serve the sentence under community supervision. This possibility depends entirely on the specific facts of the case and the judicial assessment of the defendant's profile. It is not automatic and requires the defense to make a specific and well-supported application.

For those classified as users rather than traffickers, the law provides for educational measures, community service, and attendance at drug treatment programs rather than imprisonment. Following the Supreme Federal Court's landmark interpretation of constitutional rights in this area, even the administrative consequences for personal use are subject to legal challenge and procedural protections that were not previously available. An attorney familiar with the current state of constitutional jurisprudence in this area is indispensable for navigating these proceedings.

Foreign Nationals Arrested for Drug Offenses in Brazil

For foreign nationals, a drug arrest in Brazil carries consequences that extend well beyond the criminal proceedings themselves. A conviction for drug trafficking can trigger expulsion or deportation proceedings under Brazilian immigration law. A foreign national convicted of a crime may be declared persona non grata and barred from re-entering Brazil, with consequences that ripple across any immigration status they may hold elsewhere. The intersection of criminal law and immigration law in these cases is a specialized area that demands attorneys with experience in both fields.

Many foreign nationals arrested in Brazil are unaware that they have specific procedural rights under international conventions that Brazilian authorities are bound to respect. The right to consular notification is frequently not honored spontaneously — it must be actively asserted. Consular officers from many countries maintain lists of locally licensed attorneys who can be contacted in emergencies, but the quality of those attorneys varies widely. Retaining independent counsel of your choosing, rather than relying solely on what is provided or suggested through official channels, is almost always the more prudent course.

Language barriers compound the difficulties faced by foreign nationals at every stage of the process — from understanding what they are being told at the moment of arrest, to comprehending the terms of a custody hearing, to following the proceedings in court. Having an attorney who communicates fluently in your language and can serve as both legal advocate and cultural interpreter is not merely a convenience; it is a practical necessity for any meaningful participation in your own defense.

How an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Can Change the Outcome

The trajectory of a drug case in Brazil is not predetermined at the moment of arrest. The outcome depends to a remarkable degree on the quality, timing, and strategy of the legal defense. An experienced criminal defense attorney in Brazil can intervene at multiple critical junctures: at the custody hearing to argue for release; during the police investigation to challenge the lawfulness of the search and the chain of custody of evidence; in negotiations with the prosecutor over the framing of the charges; at trial to contest the classification of the offense and the admissibility of evidence; and at sentencing to argue for the most favorable penalty calculation permitted by law.

In drug cases specifically, the evidence obtained through police searches is frequently the centerpiece of the prosecution's case. Brazilian courts have increasingly rigorous standards for the lawfulness of searches, particularly those conducted without a warrant. Evidence obtained through an unlawful search — whether of a person, a vehicle, or a premises — may be excluded under the doctrine of illegal evidence (prova ilícita), which is constitutionally grounded. The identification and successful challenge of unlawfully obtained evidence has led to acquittals and reduced charges in numerous drug cases that initially appeared straightforward.

The attorney's role also extends to the management of the client's situation during the proceedings. Pretrial detention in a Brazilian facility is a serious matter that requires active monitoring by counsel. Ensuring that the client's rights within the detention facility are respected, that health needs are addressed, and that the family has access to information about the case are dimensions of legal representation that carry profound human significance alongside their legal importance.

Why Legal Representation From the First Moment Matters

The Brazilian legal system is sophisticated, and its drug law framework is one of the most consequential areas of criminal practice in the country. Cases that are poorly handled in the early stages — where the defendant makes unguarded statements, where illegal search is not challenged, where the custody hearing passes without meaningful argument, where the police investigation proceeds without defense monitoring — are vastly more difficult to turn around at the trial stage. The cumulative effect of strategic errors in the first 72 hours can constrain what is legally achievable for months or years afterward.

This is why the decision to retain experienced criminal defense counsel is not something that should be deferred until the situation seems more serious. The situation is already serious at the moment of arrest. Every subsequent step in the process builds on what has already been established in the record. An attorney present from the very beginning is positioned to shape that record in ways that serve the client's interests rather than simply reacting to a record that has been built without defense input.

Our firm has represented individuals facing drug charges across all levels of Brazil's criminal justice system, from initial police investigations to proceedings before Brazil's Superior Court of Justice (STJ) and Supreme Federal Court (STF). We represent Brazilian nationals and foreign citizens with the same commitment to rigorous, strategic, and personalized defense. Our practice is built on the principle that every client — regardless of the circumstances of their case — is entitled to the full benefit of the protections that Brazilian and international law provide.

We operate across Brazil, with attorneys active in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and multiple other jurisdictions. We communicate in English and Portuguese, and we are experienced in navigating the intersection of criminal, immigration, and international law that characterizes many of the cases involving foreign nationals. If you or someone you know is facing a drug arrest or drug-related charge in Brazil, the time to act is now.

Related Legal Topics You May Find Relevant

Brazilian Criminal Law Overview — alvesjacob.com/criminal-law.html

Drug Trafficking Defense in Brazil — alvesjacob.com/drug-trafficking-lawyer-in-brazil.html

Criminal Defense in São Paulo — alvesjacob.com/sao-paulo-criminal-lawyer.html

Criminal Lawyers in Curitiba — alvesjacob.com/curitiba-attorneys.html

Criminal Lawyers in Brasília — alvesjacob.com/brasilia-attorneys.html

Immigration Law in Brazil — alvesjacob.com/immigration-law.html

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens after a drug arrest in Brazil?

Following a drug arrest in Brazil, the detained individual is taken to a police station where a formal record is created, and the substance is catalogued as evidence. Within 24 hours, if the arrest occurred in flagrante, a custody hearing must take place before a judge, who determines whether pretrial detention is lawful and necessary. The case then proceeds through a police investigation before being forwarded to the prosecutor's office, which decides on the formal charges. Legal representation from the very first moment is decisive for the outcome of this process.

What is the penalty for drug trafficking in Brazil?

Drug trafficking carries a substantial term of imprisonment plus a monetary fine under Brazilian federal law. The precise sentence depends on aggravating and mitigating factors, including the quantity and nature of the substances involved, whether the defendant is a first-time offender, and whether the crime was committed in association with others. Drug trafficking is classified as a heinous crime, which means stricter rules apply to sentencing, appeals, and progression to less restrictive prison regimes.

Can a foreigner be arrested for drugs in Brazil?

Yes. Foreign nationals are fully subject to Brazilian criminal law and can be arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced under the same legal framework as Brazilian citizens. A foreign national arrested for drugs also faces potential expulsion from Brazil upon conviction. Under international conventions ratified by Brazil, foreign detainees have the right to consular notification and assistance, and they are entitled to legal representation by an attorney of their choice.

What is the difference between drug possession and drug trafficking in Brazil?

Brazilian law does not use fixed quantity thresholds to separate possession for personal use from trafficking. Instead, the classification depends on multiple factors evaluated by police and then by the courts: the type and amount of the substance, the circumstances of the arrest, whether there are signs of commercial intent such as multiple packages or scales, the person's financial situation, and prior criminal history. This broad discretion makes the classification highly dependent on legal advocacy from qualified defense counsel.

Do I have the right to remain silent if arrested in Brazil for drugs?

Absolutely. The right to silence is constitutionally guaranteed under Brazil's Federal Constitution and applies at every stage of the proceedings, from the moment of arrest through the entire judicial process. No statement can be used against a defendant who exercised this right. Waiving this right without prior consultation with an attorney is one of the most common and consequential errors made by individuals in police custody.

How quickly can a criminal lawyer be contacted after a drug arrest in Brazil?

There is no mandatory waiting period before a defense attorney can be contacted. The detained person has the right to communicate with counsel immediately upon arrest. In practice, the sooner an attorney is engaged, the more effectively they can intervene in the custody hearing, challenge the legality of the search and arrest, and advise the client on how to conduct themselves throughout the investigative and judicial process.

Can evidence from an illegal search be excluded in a Brazilian drug case?

Yes. The Brazilian Federal Constitution expressly prohibits the use of evidence obtained through unlawful means. If a defense attorney can demonstrate that a search — whether of a person, a vehicle, or a property — was conducted without the required legal authorization or in violation of constitutional guarantees, the court may exclude that evidence entirely. Given that seized substances are typically the central evidence in drug cases, the successful exclusion of illegally obtained evidence can be outcome-determinative.

What is habeas corpus, and can it be used in drug cases in Brazil?

Habeas corpus is a constitutional remedy that allows any person to challenge the legality of their detention before a court. In drug cases, it is frequently used to seek the release of defendants who are held in pretrial detention on grounds that the detention order lacks sufficient legal justification or is disproportionate given the circumstances of the case. Habeas corpus petitions can produce results within days and can be filed at multiple levels of the judicial hierarchy, including courts of appeals and superior courts.

Are drug possession charges in Brazil criminal offenses?

Under Brazil's current constitutional framework as interpreted by the Supreme Federal Court, the possession of cannabis for personal use is treated as an administrative rather than criminal offense, meaning it does not carry criminal penalties or generate a criminal record. This ruling applies specifically to cannabis and to quantities below a threshold established in the judicial decision. Other substances and larger quantities remain subject to different legal treatment. Legal counsel is necessary to assess how this framework applies in any specific case.

Can a plea agreement or cooperation agreement reduce a drug sentence in Brazil?

Yes. Brazilian criminal procedure allows for formal cooperation agreements between the defendant and the prosecution, in which the defendant provides substantial information about criminal organizations in exchange for meaningful reductions in their sentence or changes to the conditions of serving the sentence. These agreements require experienced legal negotiation to be structured properly and carry procedural requirements that must be strictly observed. A poorly executed cooperation agreement can create additional risks rather than resolving existing ones.

What rights do foreigners have when arrested in Brazil?

Foreign nationals arrested in Brazil have the same constitutional rights as Brazilian citizens, including the right to silence, the right to legal counsel, and the right to be informed of the reasons for their detention. They additionally have the right under international conventions to be notified of and to communicate with their country's consulate. They are entitled to interpreter services if they do not speak Portuguese. These rights must often be actively asserted, which is why immediate engagement with a qualified attorney is especially important for foreign detainees.

How long can someone be held in pretrial detention for a drug charge in Brazil?

Pretrial detention in drug cases has no fixed maximum duration under Brazilian law, though courts are required to review whether it remains justified periodically. Prolonged pretrial detention is subject to challenge through habeas corpus and through petitions to senior courts arguing that the duration has become disproportionate. The active monitoring of detention conditions and duration by defense counsel is an important dimension of representation in serious drug cases.

What is the inquérito policial in Brazilian drug cases?

The inquérito policial is the preliminary police investigation that precedes the formal filing of criminal charges. Conducted under the authority of the delegado, it involves collecting evidence, performing forensic analyses of seized substances, taking witness statements, and preparing a case report for the prosecutor. Defense attorneys have the right to access the investigative record and can petition for the inclusion of favorable evidence. Proactive defense engagement at this stage, before charges are formally filed, can significantly influence the direction of the case.

Will a drug conviction in Brazil affect my immigration status?

Yes. A conviction for a drug offense, particularly trafficking, can trigger expulsion proceedings under Brazilian immigration law. Foreign nationals convicted of crimes may be declared inadmissible for future entry into Brazil. They may face adverse immigration consequences in their home country or other countries where they hold or apply for residence status. The intersection of criminal and immigration law in these cases is specialized, and legal representation experienced in both areas is essential for understanding and mitigating the full range of potential consequences.

Is drug trafficking considered a heinous crime in Brazil?

Yes. Drug trafficking is expressly listed among the heinous crimes (crimes hediondos) defined under Brazilian law. This classification has direct practical consequences: the convicted person is ineligible for amnesty or pardon, must serve a longer minimum proportion of the sentence before accessing less restrictive prison regimes, and faces stricter conditions for interim release during appeals. Understanding this classification and its practical implications is fundamental to any defense strategy in drug trafficking cases.

Can a drug trafficking charge be reduced to personal use in Brazil?

It is legally possible for a defendant initially charged with trafficking to have the charge reclassified to personal use, either by the prosecutor before filing charges or by the court during or after trial. This reclassification depends on the strength of the defense argument regarding the factual circumstances of the case and the criteria established in law. Successfully arguing for this reclassification requires a thorough command of the evidentiary record, relevant judicial precedents, and the ability to present the defendant's personal circumstances in the most favorable possible light.

What happens if drugs are found in a shared space or vehicle in Brazil?

When drugs are found in a location used by multiple people — a shared vehicle, a rented property, or a common area — the question of individual criminal responsibility becomes more complex. Each person present may be subject to investigation, but criminal liability requires proof of individual knowledge and participation. The defense of a person who did not know of the presence of controlled substances, or who had no control over the space in question, requires careful collection and presentation of evidence challenging the inference of individual participation.

What is the audiência de custódia, and why does it matter in drug arrests?

The audiência de custódia is a hearing held within 24 hours of a flagrante arrest, at which a judge examines the circumstances of the detention and decides whether to maintain, modify, or release the arrested person. This hearing is a critical procedural protection against unlawful detention and represents the first formal opportunity for defense counsel to argue against pretrial imprisonment. The quality of legal representation at this hearing, and the arguments made regarding the defendant's personal circumstances and the legality of the arrest, frequently determines whether the person spends the next weeks or months in custody awaiting trial.

Can a drug conviction in Brazil be appealed?

Yes. All criminal convictions in Brazil are subject to appeal through the country's court hierarchy, beginning with the state or federal court of appeals and, in cases involving constitutional or federal legal issues, potentially reaching the Superior Court of Justice or the Supreme Federal Court. Appeals in drug cases frequently focus on the legal classification of the offense, the admissibility of evidence, the calculation of the sentence, and the conditions of its enforcement. The appellate process can result in reduced sentences, changed conviction categories, or, in cases of fundamental procedural error, the annulment of the original proceedings.

How can I find a qualified English-speaking criminal lawyer in Brazil for a drug case?

Qualified criminal defense attorneys experienced in drug cases, who communicate in English and have a demonstrated track record in Brazilian federal and state courts, are available in major Brazilian cities, including Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. When selecting an attorney, it is important to verify their standing with the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB), their specific experience in drug cases, their ability to communicate in your language, and their familiarity with the intersection of Brazilian criminal and immigration law if you are a foreign national.