Have you recently been charged with a drug crime in Orange County? Are you anxious to prepare a powerful defense so you can put this disaster behind you? When you are facing criminal charges in the state of California, the prosecutor will be working tirelessly to prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
It is important that you take your defense into your own hands so you can protect your future. Do not hesitate to contact an Orange County drug crimes lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group to discuss your legal options further. Contact us for a confidential case evaluation today and find out more about what is next for your defense strategy.
Common Types of Drug Crimes in Orange County
You might be surprised to discover that there are multiple types of drug charges you could be facing. Your drug crimes lawyer in Los Angeles will be responsible for helping you understand the types of drug charges you are facing, the potential consequences, and figuring out how to best defend your case.
Types of Controlled Substances
The consequences you will face will be based upon the type of controlled substance involved and the amount of the drug and question. There are a variety of controlled substances that you could face criminal charges for. Examples of such drugs include:
- Ecstasy
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- LSD
- PCP
- Certain types of narcotics
Drugs are classified into schedules of controlled substances. There are five different schedules. Schedule V controlled substances are the least severe, have accepted medical use, and are unlikely to cause addiction. Certain types of prescription narcotics may be considered Schedule V controlled substances.
However, Schedule l controlled substances are dangerous, have no accepted medical use, and are very likely to cause addiction issues. Examples of Schedule l controlled substances could include cocaine and heroin.
Orange County Drug Crimes
Our drug crimes lawyers are here to help you clear your name of the allegations against you so that you can move forward with your life. Some of the different types of drug charges you could be facing include:
- Drug paraphernalia under California Health and Safety Code § 11364
- Simple drug possession under Health and Safety Code § 11350
- Drug possession for sale under California Health and Safety Code §11351
- Drug manufacturing under California Health and Safety Code § 11379.6
- Marijuana cultivation under California Health and Safety Code § 11 358
- Drug trafficking under California Health and Safety Code § 11352
- Sale and transportation of drugs under California Health and Safety Code § 11352
These are only a few of the different types of drug crimes you could be charged with. Our drug crimes attorneys are here to help you understand the severity of the charges you are facing and figure out which defenses are best suited for your case.
It is important to understand the potential penalties you could be facing so you can make an educated decision about how you want to proceed with your defense strategy.
Criminal Penalties of an Orange County Drug Crimes Conviction
Your drug crimes attorney in Orange County understands the fear and apprehension you must be feeling after being accused of a drug offense. After all, the penalties you are facing may be harsh. The severity of your charges and the consequences will be based on:
- The amount of the drug in question
- The type of drug
- Whether there are any aggravating factors present
- Your criminal history
- Whether anyone was injured
- The location of the alleged drug offense
- Whether any children were involved or present
- Whether there was a deadly weapon involved
Typically, less severe drug crimes will be charged as misdemeanors, while more severe drug crimes will be charged at the felony level. You can expect to pay fines and spend time in a county jail or state prison if you are found guilty.
Do Not Forget About Collateral Consequences
However, it is also important to remember that criminal penalties are not the only way your life will be affected by a conviction. You may also find your driver’s license suspended, that you are passed over for job opportunities, and that you face an increased risk for deportation if you are found guilty.
These are just a few examples of the collateral consequences you could face. If you hope to get back to your life and avoid the fallout of a conviction, make sure you have a dedicated Orange County drug crimes attorney on your side who is prepared to work tirelessly to prepare your defense.
How to Beat the Drug Crimes Charges You Are Facing
If you are hoping to clear your name of the allegations against you, it is important to consider all of your options with your attorney.
After reviewing the evidence against you, your criminal record, any mitigating or aggravating factors, and other important details of your case, your lawyer can figure out whether it is in your best interests to work with the prosecutor to obtain a plea agreement or defend your case at trial.
Options for First-Time Offenders
If this is your first offense, you may be eligible for a pretrial diversion program. According to California Penal Code § 1000, first-time offenders with no criminal history may have the opportunity to enter a drug treatment program in lieu of facing criminal charges. After completing the terms of the program, the charges against you could be dismissed.
Individuals who have prior drug convictions on their record may be able to enter a drug treatment program instead of going to jail under Prop 36. If you enter a pretrial diversion program, make sure you are prepared to complete the terms of the program. Failure to do so could mean the criminal charges against you will move forward.
Defenses Against Drug Crimes
In some instances, you may need to defend yourself at trial against drug charges. Any time police misconduct or mistakes occurred in the course of your arrest or investigation, this evidence could be used to get the drug charges against you reduced, dismissed, or obtain a not guilty verdict. Examples of potential defenses could include:
- Constructive possession
- Entrapment
- Police misconduct
- Unlawful search and seizure
- Constitutional rights violations
- Improper analysis of controlled substances
Call a Drug Crimes Lawyer in Orange County for Help Today
A drug crime conviction is sure to have a significant impact on your life. If you hope to avoid the severe penalties associated with a guilty verdict, it has never been more important to clear your name of the allegations against you.
Reach out to a reputable Orange County drug crimes lawyer at the Simmrin Law Group to discuss your options further today. Fill out our quick contact form or call us to schedule your confidential case review.