West Hills Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been accused of or arrested for an offense, it can be overwhelming and stressful. Our West Hills criminal defense lawyer is here to help you navigate this difficult time and provide a customized legal strategy to successfully defend your case. We handle a range of criminal cases, including DUI, fraud charges, drug crimes, possession of marijuana, and other offenses.

No matter where you are in California, our criminal defense lawyer is here to represent you and fight for your rights. If you need expert legal help, contact our experienced criminal defense team in West Hills. We can help you learn more about your case and the options available to you.

Drug Crimes in California

In California, there are various laws that regulate the possession and sale of controlled substances, including illegal drugs and prescription drugs that are possessed without a valid prescription. Some common drug offenses in California include possession of a controlled substance and possession for sale of a controlled substance.

Possession of a controlled substance is a crime under California Health and Safety Code (HSC) §11350(a). This law makes it illegal to unlawfully possess any of a wide range of controlled substances, including both illegal drugs and prescription drugs, without a valid prescription. If convicted of this offense, you may face up to one year in a county jail and a fine of up to $20,000. If you have been convicted of a prior “serious” crime, you may face a minimum of three years in state prison.

Possession for sale of a controlled substance is a crime under California Health and Safety Code (HSC) §11351. This law makes it illegal to possess for sale or purchase for sale any of the drugs listed in the statute, including Schedule I and II narcotics. If convicted of this offense, you may face up to four years in a state prison and a fine of up to $20,000. If you have been accused of a drug offense in California, it is important to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend yourself and protect your rights.

Marijuana Possession Laws in West Hills, California

Under California Health and Safety Code Sections 11357(a) to (d), it is illegal to possess marijuana (cannabis) or concentrated marijuana (hashish) under certain conditions.

If you are under 18 years old and violate the law more than once by possessing no more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or 8 grams of hashish, you may be required to undergo six hours of counseling and up to 20 hours of community service. If you are between 18 and 21 years old and violate this law, you may be fined $100. However, if you are under 18 and possess more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or 8 grams of hashish, you may face 10 hours of counseling and up to 60 hours of community service for multiple violations of Section 11357. If you are 18 or older and possess more than the specified amount of marijuana or hashish, you may be punished by up to six months in county jail, a fine of $500, or both jail time and a fine.

Additionally, if you possess more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or 8 grams of hashish on school grounds during school hours, you may be fined up to $500 if you are 18 or older and have a previous conviction under this section. You may also be imprisoned in a county jail for 10 days, or both imprisoned and fined. If you are under 18 and are caught on school grounds while in possession of these amounts during school hours, you may face up to 10 hours of counseling and up to 60 hours of community service.

California DUI Law

A DUI in California can have serious legal consequences. It is considered a serious crime and can be punishable by fines, jail time, probation, and other consequences. A DUI conviction can also affect your ability to drive, your employment prospects, and your ability to hold certain types of jobs in the future.

If you have been charged with a DUI in California, you may be facing two separate cases: a criminal case in court and an administrative hearing through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The criminal case will determine whether you are guilty of the DUI charge and, if so, what penalties you may face. The administrative hearing, on the other hand, will determine whether your driver’s license will be suspended or revoked.

Admin Per Se / DUI Hearing

If you have been arrested for a DUI in California, you have only 10 days to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The DMV’s Administrative Per Se Hearing will be held to determine your rights to drive and will consider several factors, including:

• If the officer had a reasonable cause to believe that you were driving under the influence.
• Whether you were legally arrested.
• Whether you had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 percent or higher.

If you refused to take a breath, blood, or other chemical test, the hearing officer will also determine whether you were properly informed of the consequences of your refusal.

It is important to understand that the outcome of this hearing can have significant consequences for your driving privileges. It is recommended that you seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend yourself at the hearing.

Theft Under the California Penal Code

The California Penal Code defines and criminalizes various forms of theft, including petty theft, grand theft, and embezzlement.

Petty theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at $950 or less. This can include shoplifting, pickpocketing, and other forms of minor theft. Petty theft usually carries a misdemeanor charge and is punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000.

Grand theft is defined as the unlawful taking of property valued at more than $950. This can include the theft of large sums of money, the theft of a car or other valuable property, and other forms of significant theft. Grand theft can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the value of the stolen property. If charged as a misdemeanor, it is punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If charged as a felony, it is punishable by imprisonment in a state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Embezzlement is the unlawful taking of property that has been entrusted to you. This can include stealing from an employer or misusing funds that have been entrusted to you. Embezzlement can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specific circumstances of the case and the value of the stolen property. If charged as a misdemeanor, it is punishable by up to 1 year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. If charged as a felony, it is punishable by imprisonment in a state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you have been accused of theft in California, it is important to understand the potential consequences and to seek the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to defend yourself.

Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney in West Hills If I Am Innocent?

It is generally a good idea to hire a criminal defense attorney if you are being investigated or have been accused of a crime, even if you are innocent. An experienced attorney can help protect your rights, gather evidence, and ensure that you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system.

There are several reasons why it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney, even if you are innocent. An attorney can:

• Understand the law and provide guidance on the best course of action for your case.
• Negotiate with prosecutors and work to have the charges against you reduced or dismissed.
• Represent you in court and provide a strong defense against the charges.
• Help protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly by the criminal justice system.

If you are innocent and have been accused of a crime in West Hills, it is important to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The sooner you have legal representation, the better your chances are of a favorable outcome in your case.

Contact a West Hills Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

If you are facing criminal charges in California, it can be a stressful and uncertain time. At the Law Office of James E. Silverstein, our goal is to help you understand your charges and the evidence against you so you can make informed decisions about your case.

Our West Hills criminal defense lawyer is dedicated to providing open and honest communication and can work with you to develop a customized legal strategy to achieve the best possible outcome. Do not let criminal charges consume your life. Contact our team today to learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.