Q: What are the penalties for possession?
The penalties for possession will vary depending on the type of drug that is involved, whether minors were partaking, and your criminal history. The laws regarding “hard drugs,” such as cocaine or heroin, are very stringent and a conviction involving these substances may result in significant jail time along with exorbitant fines and fees.
Q: Why should I hire an attorney for my drug crime case?
Criminal statutes, especially those referring to drugs, are complex. Alone, you may feel as if pleading guilty is your only option, but an experienced attorney can potentially net you far lesser charges or even an acquittal.
Q: Why is the federal court involved in my drug crime case?
Certain circumstances, such as the movement of drugs across borders or the involvement of long distance communication technologies, may make a drug crime a federal matter. If your case has become federal, it is absolutely vital that you consult with a knowledgeable attorney right away. Federal court penalties are often more severe and the prosecutors are much tougher. Additionally, investigatory units, like the FBI and the FDA, usually get involved.
Q: How can I fight my drug charges if the prosecution has strong evidence against me?
A good drug crime defense attorney should know how to adapt to the facts presented in the case and formulate an effective customized legal strategy that exposes holes or weaknesses in the prosecution’s argument. For example, the arresting police officer(s) may have committed a procedural error or violated your rights, making it possible to have the evidence against you suppressed.
Q: Are synthetic drugs illegal in California?
Lawmakers have, for some time, faced great difficulty enforcing laws against synthetic drugs since they are a relatively new phenomenon. However, they are starting to come down on synthetic drugs all across the nation, both on a federal and state level. California’s Health and Safety Code section 11375.5 addresses bath salts and synthetic cannabinoid substances. If you are convicted of selling, dispensing, distributing, furnishing, administering, or giving these substances to another (a misdemeanor crime), you may face up to six months in county jail and/or a fine of up to $1,000.
Q: What type of drug crime cases does your law firm handle?
The expert Orange County drug crime defense attorneys at the Law Offices of David A. Stein provide quality legal representation for cases involving drug possession, drug manufacturing, drug sales, cocaine offense, marijuana offense, and meth offense.
David A. Stein is skilled criminal defense attorney with a track record of obtaining very successful outcomes for his clients. If you have been accused of a crime or need help with any criminal matter, contact our law offices today at (949) 445-0040 for a consultation.