You need help right away if facing a drug crime charge in Burbank, California. You can end up facing a tough legal battle if you try to go it alone. A drug crime conviction can lead to harsh fines and even time spent in jail or prison. Even relatively minor criminal convictions can affect many aspects of your life. You do not have to accept these penalties without a fight.
A drug crimes lawyer in Burbank from our team can provide you with the support and advice you need. We can develop a strong defense strategy and fight to protect your interests. You can count on Simmrin Law Group to take on your case and start building your defense before it’s too late.
Drug Possession Charges in Burbank
You can end up facing harsh penalties if law enforcement officers find you with small amounts of a controlled substance, even for your personal use. Drug possession charges can occur if police find you with certain restricted:
- Stimulants
- Depressants
- Opiates
- Hallucinogens
Some individuals even end up arrested because police find them with common painkillers, like codeine and hydrocodone, or steroids without a prescription. Because many illicit substances also have medical uses, it can be easy to end up facing drug charges in Burbank if you try to self-medicate without a prescription from your doctor.
Burbank sometimes uses unique charges for different drugs. For example, you could be charged specifically with:
- Possession of Vicodin
- Possession of methamphetamine (meth)
Some other drugs have similar charges, as well. A conviction for drug possession can lead to one year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. These penalties apply only to first-time convictions and small amounts of the drug assumed to be for personal use.
Understanding Marijuana Possession Charges in Burbank
Note that the laws regarding the possession of marijuana have recently changed in California. The use of marijuana is legal for recreational purposes, but the law only partially decriminalized the drug. You are now allowed to:
- Possess some amounts of marijuana
- Possess some concentrated cannabis
- Participate in small amounts of marijuana cultivation
Only those over the age of 21 can legally grow or possess marijuana. In addition, you could face criminal charges if you have more than the legal amounts of the drug, use the drug in a public place, sell it, or drive while under the influence of marijuana.
Our lawyers represent clients who are under arrest or were cited for any of these crimes. We know how to argue against marijuana possession, underage use, public use, and DUI drug charges. We are here to discuss your case with you during a free consultation.
Criminal Charges and Possession for Sale
Many people have a difficult time understanding the difference between drug possession and possession for sale. The two charges have a lot in common, but there are also key differences. In brief:
- Drug Possession: These charges occur when police find you with small amounts of an illicit substance.
- Possession for Sale: These charges occur if police find you with more of an illicit substance than the court thinks you could use personally. You can be charged with possession for sale even if no one sees you selling a drug. Additionally, you could face this charge if there are other indicators that you intended to sell or did sell the drug.
You can face charges of possession for sale if law enforcement officers identify any controlled substance, including marijuana, in your possession and you have more than the courts think you could use on your own. Having drugs packaged to sell or having a certain quantity in addition to baggies, scales, ledgers, or other items could also trigger these charges.
Intent to sell marijuana charges are possible since there is no legal amount of the drug an individual can sell or give away. These charges occur against anyone who:
Possession for sale penalties is harsher than drug possession consequences in Burbank. You can end up spending four years in prison and left with fines of up to $20,000 after a possession-for-sale conviction.
If the police arrested you and you face allegations of a drug crime, connect with our team today. Make sure you’re ready for your day in court by contacting a criminal defense lawyer in Burbank as soon as possible.
Drug Trafficking Laws in California
Possession for sale and drug trafficking are also very similar charges. However, they vary greatly in severity. The courts could fine you millions of dollars and sentence you to 40 years in federal prison for a drug trafficking charge. This is one of the most serious drug crimes. Any allegations require an immediate call to our office. We need to go to work on your case quickly.
Drug trafficking charges involve making, possessing, or distributing illicit substances to sell them. These sales often take place across state lines, which means the federal court system often handles drug trafficking cases instead of the state courts.
Any federal conviction can lead to serious repercussions. Make sure you’re ready to face any accusations that come your way with a drug crimes lawyer who understands both the state and federal court system. We can fight to protect your rights and defend your interests, and your future. Our team is ready to go to work for you today.
Burbank’s Charges for Drug Paraphernalia
Tools that individuals use alongside controlled substances are drug paraphernalia. Possession of many types of drug paraphernalia is illegal under state and local laws in Burbank. You can face serious criminal charges if the police find you with these tools. The following are common examples of drug paraphernalia:
- Needles (in some circumstances)
- Crack Pipes
- Cocaine Spoons
This list does not include many items that we associate with drugs but that have other uses. They are not drug paraphernalia. You should not face criminal charges for the possession of:
- Vaping pens
- Scales
- Bongs
When compared to other drug crimes, a paraphernalia charge is not as severe as many others. Individuals convicted of drug paraphernalia possession can face fines of up to $1,000 and a jail sentence of up to six months. However, probation and a fine are common when we pursue a plea or sentence deal for our clients.
Fight Drug Crime Charges With a Drug Crimes Lawyer
Your future can depend on the choices you make when facing arrest or being charged with a drug crime. You can greatly increase your chances of winning your case by contacting a drug crimes lawyer in Burbank right away. Simmrin Law Group can start building your defense today. We’ll go over your unique situation with a FREE consultation and offer advice about your next steps.
Get the help you need by filling out our online contact form or calling us today.