Reseda Drug Crimes Lawyer

Reseda Drug Crimes Attorney

Drug charges, whether for simple possession or complex trafficking, can bring heavy penalties. Even a misdemeanor can damage your life for years. If you’ve been charged with a drug-related crime, you’ll want the help of a Reseda drug crimes lawyer.

At the Law Offices of James E. Silverstein, we’ve defended clients from all walks of life. Whatever your background or charges, our firm can build a sturdy defense and represent you through the legal process. Come to us when you need assistance with drug charges in Reseda.

Types of Drug Crime Cases

Drug crime covers a wide variety of possible cases, each with its own consequences and strategies for defense. Reseda has a drug-related crime rate of 1.963 per 1,000 residents. Each one of those cases is unique and will require its own approach.

Often, drug crimes are broken into four main categories:

• Possession: This is simply having possession of illicit substances or drug-related paraphernalia. The amount possessed, where it is found, and your presumed intent with it can all affect the severity of the charges you face.
• Manufacturing: This is the growth, creation, or manufacture of illicit substances. Growing a large number of marijuana plants in your home can count as manufacturing. Sometimes, equipment used for drug manufacturing can be used as evidence for it, even without any drugs present.
• Trafficking and distribution: This involves the sale, intent to sell, or other distribution of illicit substances. Nationally, methamphetamine is the most-trafficked drug, but selling even small amounts of illegal drugs can be a serious crime.
• Prescription drug crimes: Among these are using fraud, forgery, or “doctor shopping” to obtain prescriptions outside the valid medical system. Even if a prescription drug is legal to use, illegally obtaining it is still a crime.

When a DUI involves the use of drugs, that can also be a drug crime. Within each of these categories, cases will differ due to many factors, like amount, intent, location, and usage. Having a criminal defense lawyer in Reseda who can analyze the specific details of your case is invaluable.

Understanding Prop 64 and California’s Drug Crime Laws

In 2016, Californian voters approved Proposition 64, or the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act. This act changed the drug crime laws in California, and marijuana has continued to become more popular, with about one in four Californians reporting their use of marijuana within the past year in 2025.

Under the changes made by Proposition 64, adults over 21 can legally use up to a certain amount of various cannabis products, and they can grow a limited number of plants for their own use. It also reduced criminal penalties for many drug charges. Cases tried before the act passed may be eligible for resentencing or dismissal upon application.

It’s important to remember that marijuana remains a federally illegal substance, regardless of state law. While California is more lenient on the prosecution of marijuana users, it’s still possible to be charged with both federal and state crimes, depending on the amount and other circumstances. If you’re unsure whether your use is legal, hire a drug crimes lawyer to review your case.

Consequences of Drug Charges

When your case gets tried at one of Los Angeles County’s Superior Court locations, like the Van Nuys Courthouse East, you could be facing a variety of penalties, including:

• Jail or prison time
• Expensive fines
• Probation
• Asset forfeiture
• Loss of certain rights

Felony charges usually carry more severe penalties, like longer prison sentences and increased fines. In some cases, you could face consequences that affect the rest of your life. An experienced Reseda drug crimes attorney can be the ally you need to protect your future.

FAQs About Reseda, CA Drug Crimes Law

Can Drug Charges Be Dropped?

Yes, drug charges can be dropped, but this is not a common outcome. It usually occurs because of a significant lack of evidence, unlawful search and seizure, or other procedural missteps. In some cases, an experienced violent crime attorney in Reseda can also advocate to get your charges reduced so you face less severe penalties.

What Is the Three-Felony Rule in California?

California has a “three-strike” rule, as set forth in Penal Code 667. Repeat felony convictions receive harsher punishments. Third felonies carry a minimum of 25 years of incarceration, higher fines, and the potential for much greater sentences. Facing repeat charges is especially difficult, as a prior conviction might make courts more likely to find you guilty.

What Drugs Are Decriminalized in California?

Since 2016, most use of cannabis/marijuana has been decriminalized in California. Nicotine and tobacco products also remain legal for adults to use. While other illicit substances remain illegal, many possession charges are now treated as misdemeanors rather than felonies, meaning they carry less severe penalties and are not as disruptive to your life.

Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in California?

Many first-time drug offenders do not go to jail in California, but it depends on the details of each case. Some charges, especially felony ones, are much more likely to result in a prison sentence. A lawyer can explain the potential consequences of all the drug offense charges you’re facing.

Hire a Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

With over 20 years of experience in handling more than 1,000 cases, James E. Silverstein has the breadth of knowledge you want to defend your case. The Law Offices of James E. Silverstein understands that each client’s background is unique, and no two cases are the same.

Representing clients across LA County and beyond, we’ve seen a variety of drug crime cases. The laws surrounding these cases are complex and can change, but we keep up with the latest laws as they apply to your case. Criminal defense doesn’t just mean representing you in the courtroom; it also means:

• Explaining the laws that apply to your case
• Advocating for your rights
• Gathering evidence to support your case
• Questioning and refuting the evidence brought by prosecutors

Don’t try to handle your defense alone. Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation and find out more about what we can do for you.