Los Angeles Drug Crimes Lawyer

The consequences of drug charges are very overwhelming. Criminal charges would lead to deprivation of liberty, payment of hefty fines, and a life that is entirely changed upside down. What used to be your rights are now taken away from you. A drug offense is not something that one should take lightly. A person who commits a drug crime is considered a nuisance that negatively affects society.

If there is no truth about your drug crime charges and you fear for your life, do not hesitate to contact a drug crimes lawyer in Los Angeles. Los Angeles Criminal Defense is a criminal defense law firm experienced in defending those wrongfully charged with drug crimes. Our extensive experience in handling drug cases allowed us to safeguard the constitutional rights of innocent individuals.

Why Should You Hire a Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer When Facing Drug Crime Charges?

Dealing with drug charges is unusual and overwhelming for an innocent person. Drug offenses are grave and seen by the law as a nuisance to society that causes harm to its citizens. Illegal drugs have caused the future of children to turn into chaos.

A drug crime conviction will alter your life completely if you can’t defend yourself in court. To deal with law enforcement is important, but to prove your innocence before the courts of justice dictates what your future will be.

A Los Angeles drug crimes attorney can help you address these concerns. Having your drug case dismissed is our primary aim to make sure that you preserve your rights and live the way you’re supposed to, drug-free and centered on the pursuit of your happiness. 

What You Need to Know About California’s Drug Laws

California’s drug laws provide for specific offenses and corresponding penalties for drug-related crimes. Drug possession can be characterized as simple possession or actual possession, and having drug paraphernalia under your custody can be an offense that leads to imprisonment and hefty fines. Understanding the specific drug offenses and their differences is important to determine the possible penalties, such as the terms of imprisonment and the number of fines to be imposed.

There are several types of illegal drugs that are prohibited by California’s drug laws. The list includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth, and ecstasy, among many others. These illegal drugs differ in their effects and how they are used.

Penalties for possession, use, or sale of marijuana can be lighter than that of cocaine, heroin, and other more harmful drugs. To know more about drug laws’ specific provisions and better protect yourself from false drug charges, call us at Los Angeles Criminal Defense.

What You Need to Know About California’s Drug Laws

California’s drug laws provide for specific offenses and corresponding penalties for drug-related crimes. Drug possession can be characterized as simple possession or actual possession, and having drug paraphernalia under your custody can be an offense that leads to imprisonment and hefty fines. Understanding the specific drug offenses and their differences is important to determine the possible penalties, such as the terms of imprisonment and the number of fines to be imposed.

There are several types of illegal drugs that are prohibited by California’s drug laws. The list includes, but is not limited to, marijuana, cocaine, heroin, meth, and ecstasy, among many others. These illegal drugs differ in their effects and how they are used.

Penalties for possession, use, or sale of marijuana can be lighter than that of cocaine, heroin, and other more harmful drugs. To know more about drug laws’ specific provisions and better protect yourself from false drug charges, call us at Los Angeles Criminal Defense.

11357 HS – Possession of Marijuana

A marijuana possession case involves an infraction or misdemeanor depending on the quantity under the accused’s possession. Marijuana possession is punished to the degree of the amount possessed, with an infraction for less than 28.5 grams and a misdemeanor if more than 28.5 grams. Possession of Marijuana is an offense provided under the Health and Safety Code number 11357.

Infraction: 11357(b) HS – Possession of Below 28.5 oz of Marijuana

If the person is a minor or under eighteen (18) years of age, such possession of marijuana below 28.5 oz is considered an infraction. The penalty shall be drug education or counseling and community service of up to 60 days.

If the person is over 18 years but not more than 21 years of age, possession of marijuana below 28.5oz is still an infraction but is punishable by a fine of not more than $100.

Misdemeanor: 11357(c) HS – Possession of Above 28.5 oz of Marijuana

A person under 18 years of age and is guilty of possession of marijuana above 28.5oz shall be required to complete 8 hours of drug education or counseling and community service of at least 40 days and up to 90 days.

A person over 18 years of age shall be punished with imprisonment in a county jail for up to 6 months or a fine of not more than $500.

Misdemeanor or Felony: 11357(a) HS – Concentrated Cannabis Possession 

A person guilty of possession of concentrated cannabis of not more than 8 grams shall be punished with the same penalties as that provided above. This is the same for those whose possession of concentrated cannabis is above 8 grams.

11350 HS – Possession of Cocaine

Cocaine is a schedule II narcotic, and you can be charged with possession of cocaine for simply having the drug on your person, in your car, or at your home. Cocaine is a widely used drug that affects the brain and central nervous system, and it produces an intense rush of pleasure that may be described as a “high.”

Cocaine is self-administered by many people who become psychologically dependent on the drug and develop a tolerance. Psychological dependence upon cocaine has profound behavioral effects, such as erratic and violent behavior resulting from frequent drug-taking.

Felony: 11370.1 HS – Cocaine Possession with a Loaded And Operable Firearm

The Health and Safety Code 11370.1 provides the punishment of cocaine possession with a loaded and operable firearm. The penalty for such an offense is imprisonment in the state prison for up to four years.

11350 HS – Possession of Heroin

Heroin is a manufactured opioid drug that is illegal in California. No matter what form it is in, the substance itself is considered a controlled substance under California law. It’s important to note that even if an individual does not have heroin on their person but has paraphernalia used for using it, they may still be charged with possession of heroin.

Possession of heroin is punished with imprisonment in a county jail for not more than one year.

11377 HS – Possession of Meth

Meth is short for methamphetamine. Meth is a drug that alters the brain and nervous system by increasing dopamine, a neurotransmitter. It is usually ingested orally, snorted, smoked, or injected. Like heroin, even if it’s not on your person but has paraphernalia associated with it (like needles), you may be charged with possession of meth.

4060 BP – Possession of Prescription Drugs Without Prescription

If you do not have a valid prescription when purchasing or gaining possession of a prescription drug, you can be charged with a crime. Section 4060 BP provides for the crime of possession of prescription drugs absent a valid prescription. This means that without such a prescription, there is no legal justification for possessing the drug.

California’s Drug Diversion Program

The Drug Diversion Program or the “pretrial diversion” of California aims to treat and rehabilitate those charged with possession and use of illegal drugs. The primary goal is to cure them of their drug addiction and admit them to a rehabilitation facility instead of prison.

Drug diversion programs are only available to those charged with possession of illegal drugs for their use. Those charged with selling or trafficking illegal drugs are not eligible under this program.

In addition to this, Penal Code 1000 sets forth the following conditions for an accused to qualify for the drug diversion program:

1. The defendant has not been convicted of any other drug offense involving controlled substances within five years from the current offense charged;
2. The accused did not commit any violent crime or threaten violence;
3. There is no evidence of the simultaneous commission of other narcotics or drug violations;
4. The accused is not charged with any other felony within five years before the current criminal charges.

Upon serving a sentence under the drug diversion program, the criminal charges shall be dismissed.

Common Legal Defenses Against Drug Possession Charges

• Violation of rights against unlawful search and seizure

Law enforcement must uphold the constitutional rights of all citizens, even those charged with crimes. Every citizen has the right to unlawful search and seizure, which is also related to their right to privacy. The police cannot just arbitrarily force individuals to be searched upon without any just cause.

• Chain of Custody errors

To protect the integrity of evidence, law enforcement must ensure that the pieces of evidence are placed under the custody of the authorized investigators. There should be no doubt about the integrity and quality of the evidence to be presented by the prosecution. The police should strictly follow the chain of custody rule to ensure that the evidence found in the crime scene is the same evidence to be presented in court.

• Valid prescription

In drug possession charges involving a prescription drug, the strongest defense is the existence of a valid prescription duly signed by a licensed and authorized physician. This evidence eliminates doubt as to why an individual has a prescription drug. The use of the said drug is for valid and justifiable reasons such as medication, in possession of medical marijuana.

A Los Angeles drug crime attorney can help you effectively argue your defenses and prove your innocence. Call us now at Los Angeles Criminal Defense to know how to allege your defenses and defend your rights before any court or tribunal.

Why Choose Los Angeles Criminal Defense

If you are charged with a drug crime, waste no time in defending your rights. Call a Los Angeles drug crimes defense lawyer from Los Angeles Criminal Defense. A Los Angeles drug defense attorney that wins is what you need.

The success of your drug charges may also depend on the quality of legal services rendered by your Los Angeles drug defense lawyer. Our Los Angeles drug lawyer, Attorney Seppi Esfandi, has over 18 years of experience in dealing with criminal cases.

Our track record speaks for itself, and we want this to provide confidence in our clients that we are serious in what we do. We provide aggressive and effective legal strategies for our clients, and we continuously improve to gain better results for those who deserve justice.

Contact a Los Angeles Drug Crimes Attorney for a Free Consultation

A Los Angeles drug crime defense attorney can help you create an effective legal strategy to prove your innocence and effectively allege your defenses. Our Los Angeles drug crimes lawyer is always here to answer your queries and give you the information you need. Call us now at 888-885-8844 for a free consultation.