Work with the Best Drug Crimes Lawyer in the San Fernando Valley
Over the past 10 years, drug crimes have drastically changed in California. The state has legalized the recreational use of marijuana. In response to the opioid crisis, the courts now offer more alternative sentencing options such as probation and treatment for people who are charged with certain drug offenses. Despite these changes, selling drugs, possessing large quantities of drugs, and trafficking drugs are still considered to be serious crimes that carry potentially harsh penalties.
If you are facing charges for a drug offense in the San Fernando Valley, you need to get help from a criminal defense attorney who is experienced in defending against drug crimes allegations. An attorney may be able to help to secure a more favorable plea to an alternative sentence or a lesser offense. In some cases, a lawyer might be able to win the dismissal of the charges through motions practice or obtain a not guilty verdict at a jury trial.
Common Drug Crimes in California
Unlawfully using or possessing certain types of controlled substances are crimes in California. You can be charged with a crime if you possess illegal drugs such as heroin or methamphetamine. You can also be charged with a crime if you possess certain controlled prescription drugs without a valid prescription such as Oxycontin or fentanyl. Some of the most common types of drug crimes that we handle in the San Fernando Valley include the following:
Penalties for drug crimes in California
The penalties that you might face if you are convicted of a drug crime will depend on your criminal record, the particular offense with which you are charged, where the offense occurred, and the amount of the substance that you are alleged to have possessed.
Some drug crimes are misdemeanor offenses while others are felony offenses. Crimes such as possession of a small amount of a controlled substance for personal use such as methamphetamine, being under the influence of a controlled substance, or possessing drug paraphernalia are misdemeanor offenses. Crimes that are charged as felony offenses include manufacturing drugs, possession of drugs with the intent to sell, selling or transporting drugs for sale, trafficking, and possessing certain chemicals to manufacture PCP or methamphetamine. The cultivation of peyote can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony offense.
Felony drug crime convictions can result in lengthy prison sentences, stiff fines, and other penalties. For example, if you are convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, you will face a prison sentence of up to seven years. After people complete their prison sentences, they may be under the supervision of a parole officer and have to submit to random searches of their homes and follow the conditions of their parole.
Some people who are facing misdemeanor drug crime charges are eligible for diversion programs. People who are not eligible for diversionary sentence and who are convicted of misdemeanor drug convictions may face jail time, have a conviction on their criminal records, and be ordered to pay fines.
Availability of diversion programs
Diversion programs are an option for some eligible individuals as a way to avoid a criminal conviction or a jail sentence. People who are first-time drug offenders may be eligible for diversion. Those who are facing charges of trafficking or sales are generally not eligible for diversion. Drug diversion programs will include counseling, intake assessments, monitoring, classes, and other requirements. If the people successfully complete their diversionary sentences, their guilty pleas will be withdrawn and the charges will be dismissed.
Get help from an experienced drug crimes lawyer
If you are facing drug crimes charges in the San Fernando Valley, you need to get help from an experienced drug crimes attorney. A lawyer may be able to secure a plea agreement for an alternative sentence or a lesser offense. He or she might be able to win the suppression of some of the evidence against you to secure a dismissal of your charges. Finally, an experienced lawyer may be able to win a not guilty verdict at trial in some cases. Our office is conveniently located next to the San Fernando Courthouse at 405 N. Maclay Ave., Suite 203. Contact the attorneys at the Naderi Law Office today to schedule a consultation so that you can learn more about your rights.