Los Angeles Drug Crime Attorney
If you have been arrested for a drug crime, it’s important that you seek qualified legal representation quickly. This can be a challenge if you’re not familiar with attorneys in your area, however, there are services that can help.
In this article, you will discover the easiest way to find the right Los Angeles drug crime attorney near you.
Los Angeles Drug Crime Attorney
If you have been accused of a drug-related crime, it’s critical you find the best possible representation to create your defense. A qualified criminal lawyer will be able to help you if you have been charged with possession, transport, or sale of a controlled substance or negotiate a plea deal.
So, how do you find the best Los Angeles drug crime attorney?
The SFVBA Attorney Referral Service is certified by the State Bar of California and meets the American Bar Association standards for lawyer referral. With a comprehensive membership of over 150 well-established attorneys in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, we can help connect you with the best Los Angeles drug crime attorney for your needs.
Drug Crimes Are Serious
Drug crimes are violations of the law involving controlled substances or illegal substances such as marijuana, heroin, or prescription pain pills. Drug crimes can either be misdemeanors or felonies.
The classification of the crime depends on the type of drug and the amount of drug. Additionally, if possession of a drug is also tied with the sale, cultivation, or other criminal intentions, the penalty for the crime will be harsher.
Types of Drug Crimes
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of cocaine
- Possession of heroin
- Possession of marijuana
- Possession of methamphetamine
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Transportation for sale of controlled substances
Learn more about drug-related crimes here.
Under California law, possession of a controlled substance means that it is illegal to possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription. As a result, if you have been found with oxycodone or another controlled substance without a valid prescription for that drug, you can be charged with possession of a controlled substance.
Controlled substances also include drugs such as heroin and cocaine, which one would not have a prescription for, but that is still considered controlled substances.
Possession with intent to sell carries a higher sentence than simple possession. For example, if you are charged with and convicted of possession of cocaine, you may be eligible for drug diversion, which is a program in California that allows for the dismissal of all charges and no criminal record upon successful completion. However, if you are charged with and convicted of possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, you are automatically facing a penalty of up to four years in county jail and a $20,000.00 fine.
California’s drug crime laws all carry jail time and sizable penalties unless you are eligible for the drug diversion program.
Why You Need A Drug Crime Attorney
A drug crime attorney in Los Angeles is beneficial for several reasons. First, a criminal defense attorney with experience in handling drug crimes will know the ins and outs of the law. He or she will also have years of experience handling these types of crimes and an understanding of what does and does not work when it comes to negotiating a plea deal with prosecutors or presenting defenses or a case in front of a jury.
A drug crime attorney in LA will be able to look at your specific situation and advise you on the best course of action based on his or her proficiency and knowledge in this area of the law.
Your attorney will be able to present to you the different options you may have, whether it is a plea deal or going to trial. The consequences of these options, including potential jail time and monetary fines, will also be presented and explained to you. With the advice of a drug crime lawyer, you will be prepared to make the best decision for your future and know that you have someone who is with you the entire way.
It is worth noting that California has a ‘Drug Diversion Program’ which is for nonviolent, first-time drug offenders who are charged with simple possession of a drug; it is an alternative to jail time. In this program, you will plead guilty to a simple drug possession charge and will have to complete an 18-month drug treatment program. If the program is completed successfully, your drug crime charge will be dismissed.
Conclusion
A Los Angeles drug crime attorney will be able to advise you on whether you should enter this program. He or she will assist you in entering the program and with your completion of the program.
If you have been charged with a drug crime, your future depends on making the right decisions from the moment you are charged. Consulting with a drug crime lawyer will ensure that you are taking the right steps to defending yourself against a drug crime charge or accepting the consequences of your actions and on the right path to a better future. Contact us at 818-340-4529.
