Our Los Angeles drug crime lawyers at Simmrin Law Group can help with several different drug charges and alleged offenses. If you are dealing with any criminal matter, it is always best to contact a knowledgeable lawyer.
An experienced attorney can use their training to negotiate with prosecutors, protect clients’ rights, gather and preserve evidence, and work to bring about the best possible outcome at trial. We’re merely a phone call away. Our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyer offers clients a free consultation for all drug-related criminal charges.
We have decades of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to take charge for you today.
Why Hire a Los Angeles Drug Crimes Lawyer?
Hiring an attorney after an arrest for a drug offense can improve your chances of successfully handling the allegations you face. Our team knows how to handle drug crime charges, and we’re ready to:
- Answer your questions after an arrest
- Ensure you understand California’s drug laws
- Build a defense to the charges you face
- Support you during legal questioning
- Stand by you every step of the way
We can help with everything from charges for drug distribution to possession of controlled substances. Reach out now to find out more about the services we offer.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving Los Angeles, call (310) 896-2723
Marijuana Charges in Southern California
Though California has made headway in the decriminalization of marijuana, there are still several ways in which people may find themselves at odds with the law. We can help you with charges involving:
Concentrated Cannabis
California law requires a person to be 21 to possess concentrates, and even then, only up to four grams at a time.
Marijuana Cultivation
For people over the age of 21, growing up to six marijuana plants is now legal. More than six will result in a marijuana cultivation charge.
Intent to Sell
While it is now legal to buy and sell recreational marijuana throughout the state of California, there are restrictions. Selling without a license is illegal and can result in severe penalties.
Los Angeles Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Drug Possession Charges in California
Many drug charges focus on the issue of possession. The severity of these offenses can vary depending on the nature of the drug and the alleged offender’s intent.
An experienced lawyer can help craft a defense that shows your legal justification for possessing controlled substances or pokes holes in the prosecution’s case against you.
According to the California Health and Safety Code §11550, being under the influence of a controlled substance without a prescription is a serious offense.
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What Are the Categories of Drugs?
Drug possession charges often depend on the identity of the substance in question. Drugs are not always considered equal in the eyes of the law. With the passage of Proposition 64, new California regulations are now in place specifically covering marijuana charges.
Types of drugs that are still heavily restricted include:
- Hallucinogens, such as mushrooms, peyote, and PCP
- Steroids like ketamine or testosterone
- Depressants, including barbiturates and Xanax
- Opiates, such as heroin, codeine, or hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Stimulants like MDMA (ecstasy) and methamphetamine
If convicted of a drug possession charge, a person can face up to a year in jail and fines of up to $1,000. However, much more serious penalties come into play when the prosecution alleges that the person possessed illegal substances with the intent of selling them.
By hiring a Los Angeles drug crime attorney, you will put yourself in the best possible position to beat these charges and avoid incarceration.
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Defining ‘the Intent to Sell Drugs’ in California
The law takes the sale of illegal drugs very seriously. California punishes possession with intent to sell more harshly than simple possession. In theory, this punishment can stop drug problems at their roots: the sellers. However, sometimes innocent people get caught in the crossfire. Our team can help.
Though having large quantities of drugs can be a sign of intent to sell, you can face charges for intent to sell even if you only had one dose of a substance in your possession. Law enforcement may cite other signs as the reason for charging you with the intent to sell, including:
- Tools (i.e., scales) used to prepare the drug for sale
- High amounts of traffic in your personal home or office
- Eyewitness testimony
If convicted of possessing illegal drugs with the intent of selling them, a person can face several years in state prison as well as up to $20,000 in fines.
What Is Drug Trafficking?
California reserves the harshest drug-related penalties for people convicted of drug trafficking. California enacted drug trafficking laws to combat high–level criminal organizations that often bring illegal substances across state lines.
While charges for intent to sell drugs are typically aimed more at moving medications within a community, drug trafficking tends to focus on the mass transportation of drugs from one place to another. Many drugs only enter communities through illegal trafficking from another location, often outside the country.
The penalties for drug trafficking can range from five years to the rest of your life in prison, and fines can range from $2 million to $8 million. With such heavy penalties on the line, it is essential to contact our experienced Los Angeles federal crimes lawyers for these matters.
Issues Concerning Drug Paraphernalia in California
The specifics of the laws surrounding the possession of drug paraphernalia are complex and are often in flux. Therefore, it’s essential to contact a skilled lawyer who can help decode the complicated legal jargon and demystify what is and is not considered drug paraphernalia.
A simplified view of the law is that items used explicitly for drug consumption, such as a crack pipe, can be considered illegal paraphernalia. However, to promote safety, California has made some exceptions. We can help clients avoid the six-month jail time and $1,000 fine for convictions in many but not all scenarios.
Defending Against Drug Charges
Several common defenses can help when fighting a drug charge. The specific arguments that your lawyer chooses to make on your behalf will depend on the charges you face and the particulars of your case.
Some often used defenses in a wide variety of drug cases include:
- Mistaken identity
- Unlawful search and seizure
- No knowledge of the presence of drugs
Talk to a Los Angeles drug crimes attorney to discuss the best approach to handling your charges.
Can You Plea Bargain to Reduce a Drug Charge?
In many drug crime cases, defendants are offered a plea bargain by the prosecution. When faced with some of the steep penalties that come with drug crime convictions, the deal may feel like a liferaft. While accepting a plea deal may indeed be in your best interest, you should never do so without first consulting with your lawyer.
If your defense is strong or the prosecution is unwilling to agree to a deal that works for you, your attorney can fight to avoid any penalties by winning your case in court.
Contact Us After an Arrest for a Drug Offense
The Simmrin Law Group is well-versed in defending clients who face drug offense charges. Our Los Angeles drug crimes lawyers are standing by to offer you a free initial consultation to discuss your case and your options going forward.
Since drug-related offenses can carry life-altering punishments, do not hesitate to bring our experienced and knowledgeable drug crimes attorneys into the fold. You can get in touch by using our online contact form or by calling right now.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form