Cocaine Defense Lawyer

What Are Cocaine Crimes and Penalties?

If you have been arrested for a cocaine offense in California, an experienced drug crime defense attorney in Orange County can protect your legal rights against unlawful prosecution and/or excessive penalties.

The illicit drug industry is a growing concern for both state and federal governments. Although many laws have been put in place making the use, possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of illegal controlled dangerous substances serious crimes, they are still prevalent in our society. To try to make a dent in this criminal industry, law enforcement and criminal prosecutors are aggressive and unyielding when it comes to arresting suspects and putting offenders away; and, as one of the most commonly abused controlled substances is cocaine, law enforcement and prosecutors are especially strict when it comes to cocaine crimes.

What Are Cocaine Crimes and Penalties?

The California Health and Safety Code establishes the following major offenses as cocaine crimes:

  • Possession of cocaine;
  • Possession of cocaine for the purpose of sale;
  • Purchase of cocaine for the purpose of sale;
  • Transportation, importation, sale, administration, furnishing, or giving away of cocaine;
  • Offering or attempting to do any of the above; and
  • Using or being under the influence of cocaine.

Being convicted of any of these crimes can include a county jail sentence of over one year, a state prison sentence of up to nine years, potentially thousands of dollars in fines, probation, and/or completion of a drug treatment program. Under certain circumstances, a convicted cocaine offender may complete a drug treatment program, in lieu of a prison sentence under the California Drug Diversion Program.

A Short History of Cocaine

Cocaine, or benzoylmethylecgonine, is classified as a narcotic, which, at least originally, referred to substances that blunt or dumb down the senses. The term narcotic was later used to refer to any illegal dangerous substances. As cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant, this more modern definition makes much more sense. Cocaine, which is found in coca leaves, was widely used after its discovery for its medicinal and other beneficial properties. However, like many controlled dangerous substances, its addictive properties and the ensuing problems associated with its use gained public notice. The use of cocaine was rarely prosecuted in the U.S. until the passing of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, which placed cocaine in the list of Schedule II controlled substances that are prohibited by the state and federal law.

Aggressive Legal Representation

A successful defense against a cocaine or other drug offense requires detailed investigation and examination on the part of the defense attorney. If your lawyer does not have the necessary experience to know what to look for, such as evidence of misconduct on the part of the arresting officer, entrapment, or even illegal search and seizure, the likelihood of presenting a successful defense is slim to none.

If you have been arrested for a cocaine-related offense in California, the knowledgeable Irvine cocaine defense attorney David A. Stein can build an aggressive defense on your behalf. Mr. Stein has the skills, resources, and, very importantly, experience necessary to examine the details of your arrest and challenge any unlawfully obtained evidence. At The Law Offices of David A. Stein, protecting your legal rights is our top priority. To learn more about how to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed entirely, contact us today at (949) 445-0040.

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Criminal Law Defense

David Stein is dedicated to defending you in any criminal matter. Contact us today for a free criminal defense consultation. We are available to our clients around the clock.   Call us now at (949) 445-0040.

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