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Last Modified on Jul 19, 2026
Drug crimes constitute a large percentage of arrests throughout Los Angeles County. Being convicted of a drug crime can carry severe consequences, including jail time, heavy fines, and mandatory participation in treatment programs. If you live in the San Fernando Valley, you may be wondering what to do after a drug arrest in Van Nuys.
At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we advocate for the rights of those accused of drug crimes in Van Nuys and the surrounding area. We can defend against a wide array of drug-related charges, with a proven history of successful outcomes. After your arrest, we can explain your rights and the applicable drug crime laws. Then, we can plan an effective defense strategy to safeguard your future.
You’ve Been Arrested. Now What?
Perhaps you were out with friends and found with an illegal substance in your vehicle at a traffic stop. Maybe you were arrested for growing marijuana without a license. Many potential scenarios might lead to an arrest for drug possession, distribution, or manufacturing.
What you do during and after your arrest can have lasting consequences, so it’s crucial to conduct yourself in a way that preserves your rights. When you are arrested, do not answer any questions law enforcement asks you. Merely give them your ID, and do not resist arrest. You have the right to remain silent. Exercise it.
Once you are taken to the Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Station, your belongings will be secured. Then, you will be fingerprinted, photographed, and booked. Remember: do not answer any questions. Even a simple “yes” or “no” answer can be used against you. Exercising your right to remain silent is not an act of defiance.
Once booking is complete, you may be released on your own recognizance or taken into custody to await a bail hearing, where your bail will be set according to the nature of your charges and prior criminal record.
If you are offered a phone call, it’s crucial to contact a criminal defense lawyer in Van Nuys who can advocate on your behalf. At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we are available by phone or online. We can advocate on your behalf at every stage of your arrest, from booking to your hearing or trial.
Drug Crime Categories and Their Penalties
While California’s rate of drug crimes and deaths is improving due to policy reform, there are still over 26,000 drug crimes reported and prosecuted in California per year. Several categories of drug crimes exist in California, but most fall under the possession, distribution, or manufacturing categories.
- Simple possession. This constitutes the possession of a controlled substance for personal, recreational use. Most simple possession cases are classed as misdemeanors, although prior convictions and a criminal record can elevate charges to a felony.
- Possession for sale and trafficking. If you are found in possession of large quantities of a controlled substance, you may be charged with a felony, as the distribution and trafficking of narcotics is considered a serious crime.
- Manufacturing and cultivating. Manufacturing or cultivating a controlled substance is one of the most severely punished drug crimes in the state. Always classed as a felony, manufacturing and illegal cultivation carry the maximum penalties, often resulting in significant prison time.
Other potential charges or aggravating factors can elevate your sentence, including:
- Selling drugs to a minor
- Fentanyl production or distribution
- Transportation over state lines, which could make you vulnerable to federal drug trafficking charges
A felony conviction for drug crimes can result in severe consequences. Over 240,000 people are incarcerated every year in the U.S. for drug crimes. If you have been arrested for any drug offense, it is vital to seek the advice of a qualified Van Nuys drug crime attorney as soon as possible. They can protect your case and prepare you for the legal process.
FAQs About What to Do After a Drug Arrest in Van Nuys
What Are the Nine Stages a Case Goes Through in Court?
The nine stages of a criminal case are:
- Investigation
- Arrest and booking
- Initial hearing/arraignment
- Indictment
- Preliminary hearing
- Discovery and pre-trial motions
- Plea bargaining
- Trial
- Sentencing and appeals
Some of these stages may be combined or co-occur, depending on the nature of the charges. Your attorney can inform you of the process that applies to your drug crime case.
What Is the Hardest Drug Crime to Defend?
Drug trafficking and distribution can be among the hardest cases to defend, given the strong evidence of intent involved in these crimes. If a trafficking charge involves distribution to a minor or transportation of drugs over state lines, the case may be subject to federal prosecution. This complicates the process and creates the need for a more complex, aggressive legal strategy to avoid a conviction.
How Do Drug Cases Get Dismissed?
Process errors and rights violations constitute the most common reasons for dismissals in drug crime cases. When you hire a drug crime lawyer, they can:
- Investigate the circumstances around your arrest.
- Determine whether any breaches in protocol occurred.
- See if any of your rights were violated.
It’s essential to exercise your right to remain silent when you are taken into custody, as this can enable you to have a stronger defense.
How Long Does It Take to Be Released After an Arrest?
How long it takes to be released depends on the police department’s caseload and the severity of the charges against you. Arrests for simple possession usually progress quickly, but they may still require hours or days before you are released on bail or your own recognizance. Be sure to speak to a lawyer as soon as possible after your arrest. It is vital to have representation at your bail hearing and arraignment.
If You Are Facing Drug Charges in Los Angeles, Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer in Van Nuys, CA
When you’ve been arrested on drug charges, you may be afraid of what will happen next and how your arrest will impact your future. At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we’ve been representing the interests of Los Angeles residents accused of drug crimes for over twenty years.
Our dedicated team can advocate on your behalf, create a compelling defense strategy, and assert your rights. Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation.
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