Facing charges for a drug-related offense can be overwhelming, especially when you consider that a conviction of this nature can have life-changing consequences. From simple possession to trafficking allegations, these cases are taken very seriously under California law.
Unfortunately, drug charges often stem from situations where people are in the wrong place at the wrong time, caught up in a misunderstanding, or receive a harsher punishment than the circumstances warrant. No matter what, the outcome of a drug arrest can be very stressful.
If you’re facing allegations like these, it’s important to contact a Diamond Bar drug crimes lawyer as soon as possible. At Simmrin Law Group, we have decades of experience representing people as their Diamond Bar criminal defense lawyer, and we can do the same for you.
California’s Classification of Controlled Substances
California follows both state and federal guidelines for controlled substances. The state mirrors the federal government’s classification system, which categorizes drugs into five “schedules” based on their medical use and potential for abuse:
- Schedule I: These are substances with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, such as heroin, LSD, and ecstasy.
- Schedule II: These are drugs with some medical use but a high risk of dependency, such as cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and oxycodone.
- Schedule III: These are medications with moderate to low potential for physical or psychological dependence, including anabolic steroids and ketamine.
- Schedule IV: These are prescription medications with a lower potential for abuse, such as Xanax, Valium, and Ambien.
- Schedule V: These are substances with the least potential for abuse, which often contain small amounts of narcotics, such as cough medicines with codeine.
The classification matters because penalties in California often depend on the schedule of the drug involved, with higher schedules carrying harsher punishments.
Your drug crimes lawyer in Diamond Bar will help you understand which classification of drugs applies to your case.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving Diamond Bar, call (310) 896-2723
Common Types of Drug Crimes in Diamond Bar
Drug crimes in California are not limited to possession. They cover a wide spectrum of conduct, from personal use to manufacturing. The following are examples of drug–related offenses in the area.
Possession of Controlled Substances
California Health and Safety Code §11350 prohibits possession of controlled substances unless you have a valid prescription. After the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014, many simple possession cases were reduced to misdemeanors in response.
There are often exceptions for defendants with serious prior convictions or those required to register as sex offenders. Penalties for simple possession usually include up to one year in county jail or a fine of up to $1,000, if not both.
Possession of Marijuana
Since Proposition 64, adults who are at least 21 years old can legally possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana and up to eight grams of concentrated cannabis.
Possessing amounts beyond this limit, or being under 21 with marijuana in your possession, may result in misdemeanor charges.
Possession for Sale
Health and Safety Code §11351 criminalizes possession of controlled substances with the intent to sell. Unlike simple possession, this is a felony offense.
Evidence that can lead to this charge includes packaging materials, scales, or large quantities of drugs that suggest distribution.
Sale and Transportation of Controlled Substances
Health and Safety Code §11352 prohibits the sale, transportation, importation, or furnishing of controlled substances. Even offering drugs for sale without an actual transfer can qualify as a violation.
Convictions can lead to state prison sentences, which may increase if the offense occurs near schools, homeless shelters, or treatment centers.
Manufacturing Controlled Substances
Health and Safety Code §11379.6 makes it illegal to manufacture, compound, or process controlled substances. This law often applies to cases involving methamphetamine labs or attempts to create synthetic drugs.
The penalties can include several years in state prison, especially if minors were present during manufacturing.
Prescription Drug Crimes
Prescription medication abuse remains a serious issue across the state of California. If you possess prescription drugs without a prescription, forge prescriptions, or perform what is known as “doctor shopping” to obtain multiple prescriptions, you could face felony charges.
Drug Paraphernalia Possession
Health and Safety Code §11364 prohibits people from processing items associated with drug use, such as pipes, syringes, and other implements. While this may seem minor, a conviction of this kind can still leave a mark on someone’s criminal record.
Diamond Bar Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Penalties for Drug Crimes in California
The penalties for drug crimes vary depending on the type of offense, the substance involved, and the defendant’s prior criminal history. In California, these are examples of penalties you could face if you’re convicted of drug-related charges:
- Misdemeanors: These carry up to one year in county jail, fines up to $1,000, a period of probation, and mandatory drug treatment programs.
- Felonies: These often result in multi-year prison sentences, higher fines, and lengthy probation periods.
- Aggravating factors: Penalties can be enhanced if drugs were sold to minors, if the offense occurred near schools, or if large quantities of drugs were involved.
California courts also consider prior convictions. Repeat offenders often face stricter consequences, especially if they have prior felonies. This emphasizes the importance of retaining drug crime lawyers in Diamond Bar to represent you.
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Contact Our Drug Crimes Law Firm in Diamond Bar ASAP
If you or someone close to you was arrested on drug charges, you’re likely facing more than just fines or probation. It’s not uncommon to find yourself staring down court hearings, possible jail time, and long-term consequences that have the potential to irreversibly impact your life.
We understand how much anxiety and fear these circumstances can make you feel, but even if the arrest felt like a misunderstanding or stemmed from a one-time mistake, the justice system takes these cases seriously—and so should you. Start by calling Simmrin Law Group ASAP.
With decades of experience representing thousands of clients across the state of California, we have what it takes to handle cases like yours.
We respect how much is at stake, and we’re ready to fight for you to the full extent of the law. Call now for more information.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form