You can expect to face numerous legal challenges in California drug crime cases. Individuals facing drug crime charges will likely need to attend multiple pre-trial hearings before going through a criminal trial.
If these cases result in a conviction, individuals can expect to face harsh penalties, including incarceration and fines. You can learn more about drug charges and how the court treats them with a Los Angeles drug crimes lawyer.
What to Expect in Drug Crime Cases in California
You should expect to face significant pressure from the police and prosecution if accused of a drug crime in California. The court treats these charges harshly and will push for convictions, so it’s important that you immediately seek help from a Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer after an arrest.
An attorney can also explain what to expect from all parts of a drug crime case. For example, a lawyer can tell you:
What to Expect After a Drug Crime Arrest
You should expect the police and prosecution to question you after an arrest for crimes like California Health and Safety Code Section 11350(a) HS: Possession of a Controlled Substance or California Health and Safety Code Section 11351 HS – Possession for Sale of a Controlled Substance.
You should refuse to discuss your charges until you’ve sought legal counsel. You have a right to legal representation. A lawyer can protect you during questioning and ensure that you understand your rights.
What to Expect at Pre-Trial Hearings
You may have to attend numerous pre-trial hearings after an arrest for a drug crime. For example, you’ll need to go to your arraignment hearing, where the court will explain the charges you face and expect you to plead not guilty, no contest, or guilty.
In some cases, you may also have to go to a bail hearing, where the court will decide how much bail you have to pay to stay out of jail until your criminal trial. A lawyer can give you more information about these hearings.
What to Expect During a Criminal Trial
During a criminal trial, the prosecution will present its case against you, and your attorney will handle your defense. You can expect both sides to present evidence and question witnesses. The judge and jury will make a final decision at the end of a criminal trial. Note that not all drug crime charges go all the way to court.
What to Expect from a Drug Crime Conviction
Your lawyer will work tirelessly to help you avoid a conviction. However, individuals who get convicted can expect to face harsh penalties, like incarceration, high fines, and time on probation. The specific penalties vary based on the charges individuals face.
An attorney can immediately begin working on your defense and explain what to expect in California drug crimes cases.
For a free legal consultation, call (310) 896-2723
How Lawyers Help After Drug Crime Arrests
Attorneys provide dedicated support after arrests for drug crimes. You can rely on a criminal defense attorney to:
- Explain your charges and the steps you should take after an arrest
- Immediately get to work on a defense strategy
- Protect your rights
- Stand by you during all legal hearings
The prosecution and police officers are not on your side after a drug crime arrest. They primarily want to secure convictions and can use everything you say against you, so it’s crucial that you reach out to a lawyer for help immediately after an arrest.
How Lawyers Resolve Drug Crime Charges
Lawyers use several strategies to help clients charged with drug crimes. Depending on the circumstances, a lawyer may focus on:
Getting the Charges Dropped
A lawyer may convince the court to drop a drug crime charge, especially if the prosecution has minimal evidence to back up the allegations. Sometimes, the court will drop a charge due to police misconduct.
Negotiating a Plea Bargain
Plea bargaining may allow an attorney to reduce the severity of a drug crime charge by convincing the prosecution to change the charges to a lesser offense. This strategy requires a defendant to plead guilty to another crime, so you should carefully discuss it with your lawyer before proceeding.
Fighting the Charges in Court
An attorney can also fight drug crime allegations directly in court, striving to secure a verdict in favor of their client. You can learn more about what to expect from the legal process with your criminal defense lawyer.
Talk to Us After a Drug Crimes Arrest
Do you need to know more about what to expect in California drug crimes cases? Our team at Simmrin Law Group can provide the answers you need and immediately get to work on your defense strategy.
We have decades of experience, and we’ve assisted thousands of clients who turn to us for help. We take charge immediately after an arrest, considering the specifics of your situation and standing by you every step of the way.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form