If you are facing charges for a drug offense in Carlsbad, getting legal help from our San Juan Capistrano criminal defense lawyer can help you protect your rights and your name.
California prosecutes offenders with strict laws and severe penalties, aiming to deter drug-related activities and keep the public safe. Simmrin Law Group is ready to lead your case.
We will use decades of legal experience to fight for you, even if it means we must take your case to court. We have helped many Californians with tough legal challenges and want to help you. Call for a consultation to learn how our San Juan Capistrano drug crimes lawyer can help.
Cases Our San Juan Capistrano Drug Offense Lawyers Handle
Drug crimes can range from minor offenses to serious felonies. Common drug charges include:
- Possession: Having illegal drugs on your person or property.
- Possession with intent to distribute: Having drugs in a quantity that suggests you plan to sell or distribute them.
- Drug trafficking: Transporting large quantities of drugs across state or national borders.
- Manufacturing: Producing illegal drugs or growing controlled substances like marijuana without proper authorization.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving San Juan Capistrano, call (310) 896-2723
Understanding the Potential Penalties for Drug Crimes
Penalties for drug crimes in California can vary widely based on the type and quantity of drugs involved, as well as your prior criminal history. Potential consequences include:
- Fines: Monetary penalties that can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.
- Probation: Court-ordered supervision instead of, or in addition to, jail time.
- Incarceration: Jail or prison time, which can vary from a few days to several years.
- Criminal record: A permanent mark on your record that can affect future employment, housing, and more.
San Juan Capistrano Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Let Us Handle Your San Juan Capistrano Drug Crimes Case
Facing drug charges can be overwhelming, but when our experienced drug defense lawyers in San Juan Capistrano lead your case, we will provide the following:
- Legal advice: We will clearly explain the charges and potential penalties.
- Professional court representation: We will advise you of your options throughout the legal process and attend the arraignment, pretrial hearings, and your trial.
- A thorough investigation: We will examine every detail, gather evidence, and interview witnesses to build a defense for your case.
- A review of the prosecution’s case and evidence: We will meticulously analyze the prosecution’s evidence to identify any weaknesses or inconsistencies.
- Negotiations: We can work to reduce charges or penalties through plea bargains.
- A defense strategy for your case: We will develop a plan to challenge the prosecution’s evidence and weaken its case.
- Guidance for an appeal: If you are convicted, we will help you understand your rights and options for appealing the decision. We can also handle the appeal for you.
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What the Prosecution Must Prove in Your Drug Charge Cases
When you’re charged with a drug crime in San Juan Capistrano, the prosecution must prove certain things to show you’re guilty. Here’s what prosecutors need to prove:
- Possession: They must prove you had the drugs. This means the drugs were found on you, in your home, or your car. They can use evidence like where the drugs were found and if they were in your control.
- Knowledge: They must prove you knew you had the drugs. If you didn’t know the drugs were there, they can’t say you’re guilty. They might use your statements, witness testimonies, or circumstances to show you knew about the drugs.
- Intent: For some charges, they must show you planned to use, sell, or give away the drugs. They might use evidence like the amount of drugs, how they were packaged, and if there were any scales or baggies found.
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Potential Defenses in Cases Involving Drug Charges
If you’re facing drug charges, there are defenses our lawyers can use to challenge the prosecution’s case. Here are some common ones:
- Illegal search: If the police didn’t follow the rules when they searched you or your property, the evidence they found might not be used in court. Evidence obtained through an improper search is a violation of the Fourth Amendment.
- Lack of possession: We can argue that the drugs didn’t belong to you. Maybe they belonged to someone else, and you didn’t know they were there.
- No knowledge: We can also say you didn’t know the drugs were there. If the prosecution can’t prove you knew about the drugs, this can be a strong defense.
- Medical use: If you have a prescription for the drugs or if you use them for medical reasons, this can be a defense. You would need to show proof of your prescription or medical need.
We will look at the evidence, interview witnesses, and check if the police followed the law during your arrest. By finding weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and using the right defenses, our San Juan Capistrano drug crimes attorneys can work to get the charges reduced or even dropped.
What Alternatives Are Available in Drug Cases?
In addition to negotiating lesser charges or pursuing a dismissal of the charges, our legal team can explore other options in your drug case. These include:
Drug Diversion Programs
California offers programs that allow first-time or non-violent offenders to avoid jail time by completing a drug treatment program. Successful completion can lead to a reduction or dismissal of your charges.
Pretrial Diversion Programs
Similar to drug diversion, pretrial diversion programs focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Completing one can result in the dismissal of charges.
Conditional Discharge
We can argue for a conditional discharge, where charges are dismissed after a probationary period. This can happen if you meet certain conditions, like staying out of trouble and completing community service.
Substance Abuse Programs
Participation in voluntary substance abuse programs can show the court you are taking steps to address any underlying issues. This can reflect favorably during sentencing or negotiation talks.
These options can provide alternatives to traditional punishment. We can examine them more closely to determine if they apply to your situation and how they can improve it.
Our San Juan Capistrano Drug Crimes Lawyer Can Represent You
If you or a loved one is facing criminal drug charges, we are ready to manage your case and support you at a challenging time. Dealing with a criminal case can be stressful, especially when you are unsure about what comes next.
You deserve straightforward counsel about the drug charges you face and how representation can shield you from the harshest consequences. The San Juan Capistrano drug crimes lawyers at Simmrin Law Group can help you take your next steps. Call today for a confidential consultation.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form