Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer

Los Angeles Drug Crime Attorney

In Los Angeles and surrounding areas, drug crimes tend to be among the most aggressively investigated and prosecuted. Even just being charged with a drug crime can come with significant, devastating consequences, such as long prison terms and a criminal record. Whether you have been charged with drug possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking, a dedicated Los Angeles drug crime lawyer can help you build up a strong defense strategy. For broader legal support, a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can provide the comprehensive guidance needed to address the complexities of your case.

At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, our dedicated legal team has years of combined experience helping individuals who have been charged with drug-related crimes successfully protect their rights and interests. We understand how overwhelming it can be to face these serious charges, and we are here for you during this difficult time to implement a tailored defense strategy that clearly reflects the details of your case.

Drug Crime Laws in Los Angeles: What You Need to Know

In California, drug laws are made up of both federal and state statutes. Although California has worked to decriminalize certain drug offenses, such as those related to small amounts of marijuana, strict penalties are still enforced for a wide variety of drug crimes. These rules and regulations are heavily enforced, and the consequences of violating them can be devastating for individuals and their families.

Los Angeles, California, drug crimes fall under the following categories:

• Drug possession. Drug possession crimes can either include simple possession or possession with intent to distribute. Simple possession involves having a small amount of a controlled substance for personal consumption, while possession with intent to distribute can be charged if packaging, quantity, or general circumstances imply the intent to sell.
• Drug manufacturing. Drug manufacturing or cultivation crimes involve those linked to making controlled substances. Examples include producing methamphetamine in a laboratory or growing marijuana plants without a valid license.
• Drug distribution and trafficking. Drug distribution and trafficking crimes involve the sale or transport of controlled substances. These types of crimes typically include greater quantities of controlled substances and more strict penalties.
• Driving under the influence. In California, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Such crimes can be charged when law enforcement determines that an individual has a mental or physical impairment while driving due to the ingestion of drugs.
• Prescription drug crimes. Drug crimes can also include prescription fraud. These offenses involve illegally obtaining prescription substances through unauthorized means, such as fraud, forgery, or doctor shopping.

Drug Crime Conviction Consequences in California

Penalties for drug offenses can vary depending on certain factors, such as the amount and type of drug involved, the defendant’s criminal history, and whether the offense involved significant harm to others or any form of violence. Those convicted for drug crimes could face jail or prison time, with trafficking and manufacturing crimes linked to longer terms. Additionally, convicted offenders can face financial setbacks due to heavy fines.

Those who receive initial alternative sentencing measures or have recently been released from prison are often subject to stringent probationary conditions, such as attendance of rehabilitation programs, curfews, and drug testing. Having a criminal record after a drug crime conviction can also significantly impact an individual’s access to opportunities for education, housing, and employment.

Controlled Substances Commonly Involved in California Drug Crime Cases

Under federal law, controlled substances are categorized into five different schedules. Schedule V drugs are considered to be the least dangerous and addictive, while Schedule I drugs are the most. The Schedule of the drug involved in an offense can significantly impact the charges and subsequent penalties associated with the case. Drugs that are commonly involved in Los Angeles drug offense cases include:

• Marijuana (if unlawful or unlicensed activity is involved)
• Methamphetamine
• Crack cocaine and cocaine
• Synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and ecstasy
• Prescription drugs like Adderall, Xanax, and opioids
• Heroin

How a Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer Can Support Your Case

Whether you’re facing charges for minor possession or a more escalated offense such as drug trafficking, a detail-oriented drug crime attorney can provide you with crucial legal support through each phase of the criminal defense process. From the moment you face charges to case resolution, they can be by your side, assisting you in the following ways:

Assessing Your Case During a Consultation

A skilled attorney from our firm offers a consultation to go over the details of your case and help you understand the charges you may be facing. During this meeting, they can inform you of your immediate rights and start exploring potential criminal defense legal strategies to fight back against the accusations. If you are detained, they can assist you with securing your release for a just and fair bond amount.

Building Your Criminal Defense Strategy

As each drug crime case comes with unique details, it’s crucial to work with a skilled attorney who can engineer a defense strategy that is appropriate for your case circumstances. They can help you explore solid defenses like arguing a lack of knowledge, demonstrating a violation of your Fourth Amendment rights, insisting on a case of entrapment, or showing that the prosecution’s evidence is not sufficient enough to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

If your attorney finds that the search and seizure carried out against you was unlawful, they can file a motion to have any evidence collected suppressed. In some cases, this can even lead to dropped charges or a dismissal of charges.

Negotiating a Plea Deal

If your attorney determines that it is not ideal for your case to go to court, they may work to negotiate with the prosecution to get guaranteed reduced charges or alternative sentencing measures in exchange for a plea. Alternative sentencing is an option that can help defendants avoid incarceration. It can include measures like community service, drug treatment programs, and probation.

Advocating on Your Behalf in Court

If your case does end up going to trial, a diligent Los Angeles drug crime lawyer can bring forward a comprehensive defense on your behalf. They can present robust legal evidence, such as eyewitness testimony, photo or video footage, and testimony from subject matter professionals like pharmacists or biochemists, to fight for an optimal case outcome.

FAQs

Q: What Type of Drug Crimes Does a Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer Handle?

A: A Los Angeles drug crime lawyer can handle a wide variety of charges related to drugs, such as accusations of drug possession, possession with intent to sell, and distribution, as well as more serious charges like drug manufacturing and trafficking. They can also defend individuals who have been charged with driving under the influence of drugs.

Q: What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Los Angeles?

A: Penalties for drug crimes in Los Angeles are highly dependent on specific case details, including the type of drug involved and the amount, the defendant’s criminal history, and the nature of the charges. Penalties for drug crimes could include large fines, mandatory drug treatment, probation, and, for more serious drug crimes, time in prison. Some drug crimes come with mandatory minimum prison sentences.

Q: Can a Lawyer Help Reduce Drug Crime Charges in Los Angeles?

A: Yes, an attorney can help reduce drug crime charges in Los Angeles by working fiercely to negotiate lower charges with the prosecutors involved. They can analyze the case and evidence brought forward by the prosecution, working to identify key weaknesses to push for a reduction in or dropped charges. For example, they may show that evidence was obtained through unlawful search and seizure.

Q: What Should I Do if I Am Arrested for a Drug Crime in Los Angeles?

A: If you are arrested for a drug crime in Los Angeles, it’s important to maintain your sense of calm. If law enforcement starts questioning you beyond asking you for basic information like your name and driver’s license, it is crucial to invoke your right to remain silent. Inform the relevant authorities that you will not undergo questioning without your lawyer present. Contact a Los Angeles drug crime attorney immediately to defend your rights and interests.

Q: How Can a Drug Crime Lawyer Challenge the Evidence Against Me?

A: A drug crime lawyer may challenge the evidence against you by looking into the nature of the search and seizure process to question its legality or calling into question the accuracy or validity of any chemical tests done. They can also look into law enforcement’s handling of the evidence to expose any procedural errors.

Defend Your Rights and Interests With an Experienced Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer

If you’re facing drug crime charges in Los Angeles or surrounding areas, you are likely feeling overwhelmed by the situation and the potential penalties or negative consequences. It is crucial to reach out to a skilled Los Angeles drug crime lawyer from the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein. We can work closely with you to develop and implement a sound legal strategy that questions the evidence against you and pushes for a favorable case outcome. Contact us today.