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Drug Offenses
Drug Lawyers in California: Defending Your Rights
In California, drug offenses carry serious consequences. Whether you’re charged with simple possession or more severe drug-related crimes like drug trafficking or manufacturing, the penalties can be significant. For individuals facing felony drug charges, a conviction can result in long prison sentences, hefty fines, and long-term consequences that impact your future.
At the Law Office of Ronald G. Brower, our drug lawyers provide aggressive defense for individuals charged with drug crimes. With years of experience handling complex drug cases, we understand the stakes. Thus, we are committed to providing the strongest possible defense for our clients.
Drug Charges in California
California’s drug laws have become increasingly strict in recent years, especially with the potential for three-strikes penalties. Even simple possession of certain drugs can carry the risk of a 25-to-life sentence if you are a repeat offender. As a result, facing drug charges in California can be an overwhelming experience, but you have options.
The penalties for drug offenses vary based on the type of drug, the amount in possession, and whether the charge is a felony or misdemeanor. Felony drug charges can lead to long prison terms, and individuals convicted of drug offenses often face:
- Prison sentences ranging from several years to life.
- Substantial fines.
- Loss of your driver’s license.
- A permanent criminal record that can affect your future.
Drug Trafficking Attorneys and More
California drug offenses can range from possession of illegal substances to drug trafficking and manufacturing. Each type of drug charge has different legal implications and consequences:
- Possession of Controlled Substances: If you’re caught in possession of drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, or cocaine, you may face felony charges. This depends on the type and amount of the drug involved.
- Possession with Intent to Sell: If law enforcement believes you were attempting to sell drugs, the charges and penalties can be more severe. This is especially the case for drugs like cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.
- Drug Trafficking: Drug trafficking is a federal offense, but it can also be prosecuted at the state level in California. This charge typically involves large quantities of drugs or evidence that you were involved in the transportation or distribution of controlled substances. Penalties for drug trafficking can include lengthy prison sentences and heavy fines, requiring drug trafficking attorneys.
- Drug Manufacturing and Distribution: Manufacturing or distributing illegal drugs is a felony and carries significant prison sentences. This includes growing marijuana or producing methamphetamines.
- Marijuana Possession: While marijuana is legal for recreational use in California in small amounts, certain charges like possession for sale, transportation, or cultivation can still result in felony charges.
Attorney Drug Defense, Orange County
One of the most important aspects of defending against drug charges is challenging the legality of the search and seizure. Law enforcement must have probable cause or a valid warrant to conduct a search or make an arrest. If you believe your rights were violated, your attorney can challenge the evidence and potentially have it excluded from the case.
At the Law Office of Ronald G. Brower, our attorney drug defense strategies include:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If law enforcement did not have probable cause or a valid search warrant, we can challenge the evidence against you. Additionally, we can seek to have it excluded from your case.
- Lack of Knowledge or Intent: In some cases, individuals charged with drug offenses may not have been aware of the drugs in their possession. Or, they may not have had the intent to use, distribute, or sell them. We will work to demonstrate that you did not have the intent to commit a crime.
- Mistaken Identity: In some situations, the police may have made an error in identifying you as the person committing the offense. We will investigate and challenge any inaccuracies in the identification process.
- Unlawful Stop or Arrest: If the arresting officers did not have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop or arrest you, the case against you may be dismissed.
Drug Diversion Program California
For many individuals facing drug possession charges, drug diversion programs are an option. These offer a chance to avoid a criminal conviction and reduce the potential consequences of a charge. However, these programs are generally available only for certain offenses and individuals with no prior convictions for drug-related offenses. A diversion program can include:
- One-Day Drug Diversion Class: This may be available as an alternative to losing your driver’s license if you are charged with possession.
- Longer Diversion Programs: For those charged with more serious drug offenses or repeat offenders, longer diversion programs are available. Upon successful completion, the charges can be dismissed and you can avoid a permanent criminal record.
While drug diversion programs in California are not available for all drug charges, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you explore all options to reduce the penalties you face. This includes getting into a diversion program or negotiating a favorable plea deal.
Connect With an Experienced Lawyer for Drug Charges
If you’ve been charged with a drug crime in California, it’s critical to have experienced legal representation. At the Law Office of Ronald G. Brower, we understand the complexities of California’s drug laws. We have a proven track record of helping clients through the criminal justice system. Our goal is to achieve the best possible outcome for you, whether through challenging the evidence, negotiating a plea deal, or seeking diversion programs or a reduced sentence.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Our lawyers for drug charges will provide the aggressive defense you need to protect your future and fight the drug charges against you.