Van Nuys Drug Possession Lawyer

Van Nuys Drug Possession Attorney

Everyone makes mistakes, but being caught in possession of even the smallest amount of a controlled substance can derail your entire future. Instead of letting a conviction get in the way of your future plans, you can hire a Van Nuys drug possession lawyer to defend you, your rights, and your desired outcomes.

Choose the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein to Handle Your Drug Possession Case

Choosing the right Van Nuys criminal defense attorney to handle your case can be an important step toward avoiding a life-changing conviction. Attorney James Silverstein has over 20 years of experience helping people just like you navigate complex legal cases and defend their rights. He believes it is not his job to judge his clients, but rather to prepare them for what is to come and do everything in his power to help them achieve their desired outcomes.

You do not need to face your drug possession case alone. Come and discover how the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein can help.

Drug Possession Laws in California

It is estimated that there are 1.16 million people arrested for drug crimes every year across the United States, and 244,000 are sent to prison each year. While certain substances, such as marijuana, are currently legal in some situations in the Golden State, others are considered illegal in any.  Here are some examples of the different kinds of possession charges one may face in California:

• Hard drug exception: Recently, Prop 36 was submitted in an effort to increase the potential penalties for those convicted of certain drug crimes, including hard drug possession. If you are found in possession of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and/or methamphetamine, while also having past drug convictions on your record, you can now be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, which can lead to an increased jail sentence.
• Marijuana possession: HS 11357 states that adults age 21 and older can legally possess a certain amount of marijuana or concentrated cannabis. If this amount is exceeded or the individual is younger than 21, they can be charged with marijuana possession, which is typically considered a misdemeanor.
• Possession with the intent to sell: California law HS 11351 clearly defines possession with intent to sell as a felony charge, often carrying sentences of multiple years in state prison should you be found guilty.
• Simple possession: According to both HS 11350 and HS 11377, simple possession is typically classified as a misdemeanor, which means that it can be punishable by serving up to a year in your county jail and/or paying the necessary legal fines.

Legal Distinctions to Be Aware of in Van Nuys

There are several distinctions that may be beneficial to understand prior to moving forward with your drug possession case. These include the following examples:

• Actual versus constructive possession: In the state of California, it is legal for a person to be charged with possession even if the drugs were not found on their person, so long as they were discovered to be in their home, car, or any location they control, also known as “constructive” possession.
• Medical marijuana: It is perfectly legal for those who have a valid medical prescription for marijuana to possess a higher amount of it than the basic legal standard. It is, however, illegal to fraudulently present as someone who has this prescription or to forge the prescription in any scenario.
• Usable amounts: In order to convict you of your drug possession charges, the prosecution is required to prove that you were in possession of a usable amount instead of simply having a drug residue on your person and/or property.

Hire a Drug Possession Lawyer Today

With so much of your future depending on whether or not you are convicted for drug crimes, it can be beneficial to hire a drug possession lawyer. Your Van Nuys drug crime lawyer can represent you at the Van Nuys Courthouse West, serving as your advocate while protecting your rights from being violated.

FAQs About Van Nuys, CA Drug Possession Law

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Drug Possession Lawyer in California?

In the state of California, the cost of hiring a drug possession lawyer tends to vary case by case. This is predominantly due to the impact that case-specific variables can have on your overall price, such as who you hire to represent you, the severity and number of your charges, the level of complexity presented by your case, and the amount of time that your case requires to reach a verdict.

What Kind of Evidence Can Be Used in a Drug Possession Case in California?

The California criminal court system typically permits any form of evidence that is relevant to the case and has been acquired through the proper legal channels, within the allowed amount of time. This evidence can include pictures, security footage, recorded phone calls, texts, professional input, witness testimonials, financial records, personal statements, police reports, physical evidence, and criminal records.

What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

There is a key difference between criminal lawyers and criminal defense lawyers, which basically boils down to who they are representing. The title of criminal lawyer can apply to any lawyer working in a criminal justice capacity, including the prosecution. Criminal defense lawyers, however, are typically responsible for representing the individual accused of a crime, which is precisely what you should look for when facing drug possession charges in the state of California.

How Long Will My Drug Possession Case Take to Resolve in California?

Similar to the cost of hiring a drug possession lawyer, the precise amount of time your case needs to reach a verdict depends on a multitude of influential variables, including the number of charges you are facing, the severity of said charges, whether the case is considered state or federal, the amount of evidence, how complicated your case proves to be, the schedule of your local courthouse, and whether or not you have legal representation.

Get the Help You Need Today

Contact the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein today to schedule a consultation. Let us help protect your future from being dictated by a drug possession charge.