The penalty for drug possession in Lakewood will depend on several factors, including whether the charge is for simple possession or possession with the intent to sell. Drug possession is treated seriously in Los Angeles County, and prosecutors often seek jail time for even a first offense.
California drug possession laws are complex and ever-changing. Therefore, you need a qualified drug possession attorney in Lakewood on your side if you’re facing a charge. You need Simmrin Law Group, an experienced legal team that has handled hundreds of drug possession cases over the years.
How Can a Lawyer Help With My Drug Possession Case?
You don’t want to fight a drug possession case on your own. Having a capable and knowledgeable legal team working for you can improve your chances for a reduced sentence or even a “not guilty” verdict.
After careful examination of the details of your arrest, your attorney will gather evidence and begin preparing your defense. Your charges could be reduced or possibly thrown out entirely if we can demonstrate that:
- The drugs involved in the case did not belong to you.
- Someone else planted the drugs without your knowledge.
- There is a lack of incriminating evidence against you.
- An undercover police officer entrapped you and influenced you into committing a crime.
- Police violated your rights through an illegal search and seizure or by other means.
- The police made an error during your arrest or arrested you without probable cause.
Simmrin Law Group’s drug possession attorneys in Lakewood will fight to get you the best possible outcome in your case. We will be there to help you understand your charges and your rights, and we will represent your interests and guide you through the entire legal process.
For a free legal consultation with a drug possession lawyer serving Lakewood, call (310) 896-2723
How Do You Win a Drug Possession Case?
As the defendant in a drug possession case, the ideal outcome is to prove your innocence. Whether the prosecutor drops the charges, a judge dismisses your case, or a jury declares you not guilty, this would mean you would not incur any additional penalties.
Unfortunately, not all defendants will be able to walk away from their charges free and clear. If there is clear evidence against you or you already have a strike on your record, there is a greater chance that you will be found guilty.
In that case, our Lakewood drug possession attorneys would instead do what they can to minimize your penalties and reduce the impact they have on your life. We may be able to negotiate with the prosecutor or petition the judge to secure:
- Alternative sentencing options, such as a drug treatment program, to help you overcome an addiction and avoid jail time.
- A reduction in the fine or term of incarceration through a plea deal.
- A sealing of your records so they do not become public knowledge. This can make it easier to get back to your everyday life after paying restitution penalties or completing drug treatment.
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Is Drug Possession a Felony or Misdemeanor?
A drug possession charge in California will be charged either as simple possession or possession with the intent to sell.
Simple possession is always a misdemeanor charge, thanks to the passage of Proposition 47 in 2014. On the other hand, possession with intent to sell is a felony according to California’s Health and Safety Code §11351.
Simple Possession
If the number of drugs involved in your case was relatively small and this is your first offense, the prosecutor will most likely charge you with a simple possession misdemeanor.
There is no evidence that you planned to sell the drugs in these cases, so they are assumed to be for personal use.
Possession With the Intent to Sell
Possession with the intent to sell is a more serious felony charge that is sometimes used when:
- A larger quantity of drugs is involved.
- Police also find scales or other drug paraphernalia.
- The drugs are divided up into several smaller packages.
- The defendant is also in possession of large amounts of cash.
- There is evidence of traffic in and out of the vicinity where the drugs were found.
- The defendant has a history of drug-related arrests.
The assumption in these cases is that the defendant was planning to distribute the drugs rather than use them personally.
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What Is the Usual Sentence for Drug Possession?
The sentence for drug possession varies based on what kind of drug was found and whether the charge was a misdemeanor or a felony.
For misdemeanor simple possession charges, you could be facing community service, time in Los Angeles County Jail (not state prison), and monetary fines.
- Up to six months in jail and a $500 fine for possession of over 28.5 grams of marijuana
- Up to one year in jail and a $500 fine for possession of more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis
- Up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $2,000 for possession of other controlled substances.
Felony possession with intent to sell charges are punishable by:
- Incarceration in state prison for two to four years
- Fines up to $20,000.
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Contact Drug Possession Lawyers Serving the Lakewood Area
Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony, you deserve a Lakewood drug possession attorney who will fight for your rights. At Simmrin Law Group, we will take steps to reduce or eliminate the penalties you face so that you can regain control of your life.
Contact us to schedule a legal consultation and gather basic information about your case. This way, we’ll have a better understanding of what we can do for you. This no-obligation case evaluation is completely confidential and won’t cost you a penny, so call our offices today!
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form