If you’ve been arrested on drug or narcotics charges, or a loved one has been arrested, you need the help of a skilled drug crimes lawyer. Here at the Simmrin Law Group, we have a number of attorneys on staff who have spent a majority of their careers representing clients accused of drug crimes.
Whether you’ve been charged with drug trafficking, manufacturing methamphetamine, or you’ve been arrested for simple possession, we can help you fight the charges, possibly getting the charges reduced or even dismissed. We will also fight to keep you out of jail, and, if necessary, help get you into a drug treatment program. Working with a criminal defense lawyer generally results in a better outcome than trying to go it alone.
Types of Drug Cases We Handle
The drug crimes lawyers at Simmrin Law Group have the experience you need to help you navigate the legal system. If this is a first time offense, we can help you understand the charges against you, and what happens next. If you’ve been arrested on drug charges before, we may be able to help you avoid the harsher punishment that can come with being considered a repeat offender. We have defended drug crimes cases in state and federal court. Whether you were arrested by the local police or caught up in a DEA sting, we can help you build a strong defense.
Concentrated Cannabis
Even though California voters legalized recreational marijuana use for people aged 21 and over, possession of concentrated cannabis is still illegal in most cases. That’s because concentrated cannabis is a concentrated resin that has been separated from the marijuana plant. Thus, concentrated cannabis, or “hash” delivers a concentrated dose of THC (the active ingredient in marijuana), and large doses can be dangerous. There are some special circumstances surrounding possession of concentrated cannabis.
- If you are over 21, you are allowed to possess a very small amount of concentrated cannabis – 4 grams.
- It must be for personal use only – you can’t sell it.
- If you or a loved one have a serious medical condition that is treated with medical marijuana, you are allowed to possess more than 4 grams.
Drug Paraphernalia
Possession of drug paraphernalia is a less serious offense than drug possession, but you could still face jail time. Drug paraphernalia can include syringes (in some situations), crack pipes, cocaine spoons, bongs, or any other device used to administer or use drugs.
Drug Possession
While Proposition 47 reduced some drug possession felonies to misdemeanors, drug possession is still a serious crime, and you could face up to a year in jail. Potential penalties for possession of a controlled substance may depend on the type of drug involved, and you could face a misdemeanor or a felony charge. Generally speaking, you would not be charged for possession of marijuana as long as you have only a small amount, or you have a medical marijuana card and were following the rules regarding medicinal use.
Drug Trafficking
Federal drug trafficking is a serious charge, carrying much stiffer penalties, including all the way up to life in prison. If you’ve been arrested and charged with federal drug trafficking, don’t hire just any drug crimes lawyer: Hire one with federal court experience. You may face federal charges if the crime occurred on federal property, if you violated the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA), or you were arrested by the DEA or other federal agency.
Intent to Sell Marijuana
Even though California decriminalized marijuana use for people over the age of 21, it is still illegal for individuals to sell it, or even give it away. The law now allows for certain businesses to sell marijuana for recreational or medicinal use, but you as an an individual can be arrested for trying to sell marijuana. Depending on the specific circumstances, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony.
Marijuana Cultivation
Under California’s new recreational marijuana use law, if you’re over 21, you can grow marijuana for your personal use. However, you are strictly limited to 6 plants per person. If you are accused of growing more than this, you can be arrested and charged with marijuana cultivation. The rules are different if you have a medical marijuana card. You can have 12 immature plants, or more, with a doctor’s recommendation, but it may only be for your personal medicinal use.
Confused? California’s marijuana laws are complicated. If you’re facing charges of marijuana cultivation, our Glendale drug crimes lawyers can help you build a strong defense. We may be able to get the charges reduced or dropped altogether, depending on your individual circumstances.
Possession for Sale
If you’ve been charged with drug possession for sale, or felony drug trafficking, call us right away. Drug trafficking is a serious crime, with serious penalties. You can be charged with possession for sale even if you didn’t actually complete a sale. You can also be charged with possession for sale even if you only have one dose in your possession. The important part is police think you had “intent to sell.” When we take your case, we’ll help you build a strong defense, and work to get the charges reduced or even dropped.
Possession of Meth
Possession of meth, or methamphetamine, is a very serious charge in California, more so than some other drug possession charges. It may be a misdemeanor charge if it’s your first offense, and we may be able to help you avoid jail time if you qualify for a drug diversion program and agree to enter treatment” with or a felony charge if you have a previous conviction for one of a number of crimes. Charges and penalties are also more serious if you were attempting to sell or manufacture methamphetamine.
Possession of Vicodin
Vicodin is a painkiller prescribed by doctors for pain caused by a number of medical conditions. However, it is highly addictive, and is now sold on the streets. If you are arrested for possession of vicodin without a prescription, call us for assistance. Vicodin is a brand name for hydrocodone. Hydrocodone and oxycodone (Oxycontin) are medically prescribed Schedule II drugs, with a high potential for abuse. Many people move on from an addiction to vicodin or oxy to heroin use.
California’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act spells out the various drug charges and the penalties associated with those charges if you are convicted.
Our goal is to get your charges reduced or dismissed, and to keep you out of jail or get a reduced sentence. At the end of the day, we just want to get you the best possible outcome.
Talk to a Glendale, CA Drug Crimes Lawyer for Free
If you or a loved one has been arrested on drug charges, you need an experienced drug crimes lawyer on your side. Call the Simmrin Law Group in Glendale at 310-997-4688 or use our contact form for a free case evaluation. We’re available to help you 24/7.