Are you facing drug crime charges in San Diego?
You can end up facing incredibly harsh penalties if you are accused of a drug crime in San Diego, CA. The possession of controlled substances can be punished with fines and jail time. The results of a conviction can be even harsher if you are accused of attempting to sell drugs to someone else.
The professionals at the Simmrin Law Group are ready to help you take on any drug crime charge. You can reach our drug crimes lawyers in San Diego right now to get the assistance you need to construct a strong defense. Improve your odds of resolving these charges successfully by contacting us now.
Go Over Types of Controlled Substances in San Diego
There are many different types of controlled substances in San Diego. Some of these substances are prescription medications, which you are allowed to possess if you have a valid prescription. For example, some people are allowed to legally possess:
- Hydrocodone (Vicodin)
- Codeine
- Ketamine
- Testosterone
However, you can face criminal charges if you are found with these medications and you do not have a prescription. Other controlled substances are not used medically. As an example, you can face criminal charges if you are found with heroin for any reason.
Marijuana is a Controlled Substance in San Diego
You should be aware that marijuana and concentrated cannabis remain controlled substances in California. While the usage of marijuana and marijuana products has been partially decriminalized, the state has set limits on how:
- Much marijuana leaf you can possess
- Much concentrated cannabis you can possess
- Many marijuana plants you can grow
If you exceed legal limits on marijuana possession you could face criminal charges for:
- Marijuana cultivation or
- Intent to sell marijuana
Other Charges for Drug Possession in San Diego
You can face drug possession charges if you are found with a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Drug possession charges generally only apply if you are found with small amounts of a controlled substance. If you are convicted of drug possession you could face:
- Fines of up to $1,000 and
- Jail time of up to one year
Note that sometimes the courts in San Diego will use more specific charges to prosecute drug possession. You could be charged with possession of Vicodin, possession of meth, and other similar charges.
Charges for Selling Drugs in the San Diego Area
Selling a controlled substance is generally punished more severely than drug possession for personal use. There are two major charges used to prosecute the sale of drugs in California:
- Possession for sale
- Drug trafficking
Of these two charges, drug trafficking is considered more severe. This is because drug trafficking is often prosecuted in the federal court system. Let’s go over the penalties for both charges so you can compare them for yourself:
Possession for Sale Penalties
- Fines of up to $20,000
- Prison time of up to four years
Drug Trafficking Penalties
- Fines of up to $5 million
- Prison time of up to 40 years
You should also be aware that these penalties are for a first-time drug trafficking offense. The penalties can increase severely if you are arrested for a subsequent drug trafficking offense. You may need to work with a federal crimes lawyer if you are accused of drug trafficking in San Diego.
San Diego’s Charges for Drug Paraphernalia Possession
Thus far, this article has focused on charges related to the direct usage or sale of a controlled substance. You may also face criminal charges if you are found with certain tools associated with drug usage in San Diego. These tools are often called drug paraphernalia. Common examples of drug paraphernalia include:
- Cocaine spoons
- Crack pipes
- Some needles
A drug paraphernalia conviction can leave you facing:
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Jail time of up to six months
While these penalties may seem relatively minor, the professionals at the Simmrin Law Group understand how disruptive they can be for your life. Let us start investigating the charges against you today to increase the chances of resolving the charges in your favor. We are ready to dig into your case and construct your defense now.
You Can Speak with a San Diego Drug Crimes Lawyer
Boost your odds of successfully resolving a drug crimes charge in San Diego by contacting the Simmrin Law Group right now. You can easily get the help you need by completing our online contact form or calling us at (310) 997-4688.
Our team of drug crimes lawyers in San Diego are ready to start going over your legal options with a FREE initial case evaluation.