Individuals charged with a drug crime in Irvine can face a difficult legal battle. California’s laws regarding drugs are currently undergoing rapid changes that can make them difficult to understand. You can get caught up in a legal whirlwind if you try to address any drug charges on your own.
The Simmrin Law Group can help you fight back if you’ve been charged with a drug crime. Our group of drug crime lawyers in Irvine can take on your case. We’ll aggressively fight to defend you so you have the opportunity to avoid fines and incarceration.
Understanding Irvine’s Laws on Drug Crimes
The laws surrounding the use of controlled substances can be complicated. We can help you understand:
Types of Controlled Substances
Many people do not realize how many illicit substances there are in California. You can face criminal charges for the use of many different:
- Opiates
- Depressants
- Steroids
- Stimulants
- Hallucinogens
In many cases, you can even be severely punished for having common painkillers such as Vicodin or codeine.
Common Drug Crime Charges
The court system uses some basic charges for drug crimes, including:
- Drug Possession
- Possession for Sale
- Drug Trafficking
In some cases, more specific charges are used, such as:
- Possession of Meth
- Possession of Vicodin
No matter what kind of drug charge you’re facing, you can get help from a skilled legal team today.
Penalties for Drug Crimes
Most drug charges are punished with fines and time in jail or prison. However, in some cases you may be able to complete a drug treatment program instead of facing jail time. A drug crimes lawyer can find out if a drug diversion program is right for you.
Marijuana Usage and the Law in California
The state of California recently made major changes to the laws surrounding marijuana usage. Many forms of marijuana usage were partially decriminalized, including:
- Possession of Marijuana and Concentrated Cannabis
- Marijuana Cultivation
However, there are harsh regulations on both the possession and cultivation of marijuana. You must be over 21 to possess or grow marijuana. Additionally, you can only possess and cultivate small amounts of marijuana to comply with the new laws.
Additionally, you can still face criminal charges for selling, giving away, or transporting marijuana to sell it. You could be charged with intent to sell marijuana if you are accused of any of these actions. A criminal defense lawyer in Irvine can help you deal with any criminal charges related to marijuana usage.
Drug Possession Charges in Irvine
You may be able to personally use marijuana in Irvine, but this is not true for other controlled substances. You can face harsh criminal charges for drug possession, even if you do not intend to sell the drugs.
You can also be charged with a criminal act if you are found with certain tools associated with the use of illicit substances. These tools are called drug paraphernalia by the court system. Examples can include:
- Cocaine Spoons
- Crack Pipes
- Some Needles
Note that not every device connected to drug use is considered drug paraphernalia. You should not face drug paraphernalia charges if you are found with bongs, scales, or vaping pens.
Charges for Possession for Sale and Drug Trafficking
The court system will punish you very severely if you are accused of selling a controlled substance. There are two major charges used to prosecute this act:
Possession for Sale
Possession for sale charges apply if someone has a drug they plan to sell to someone else. You can be charged with possession for sale simply for having a certain amount of a drug. You do not have to be caught selling a drug to be charged.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking charges are very similar to possession for sale, but they are more harshly punished. In many cases, drug trafficking involves moving large amounts of an illicit substance across state lines. The federal court system often prosecutes drug trafficking, which can lead to harsher penalties after a conviction.
Let an Irvine Drug Crimes Lawyer Fight for You
Any drug crimes charge can end up changing your life. You don’t have to risk your future by fighting these charges on your own. You can improve the odds that you’ll win your case by getting help from a drug crimes lawyer in Irvine right now. The Simmrin Law Group can defend you immediately. Contact us for a FREE consultation to learn more about your legal options.
We’re here when you need us. Complete our online contact form or call (310) 997-4688 to get started.
