Drug charges in California range from simple drug possession to serious narcotics manufacturing or sales offenses. Certain crimes, such as the transportation of drugs across borders, may be prosecuted as a federal crime. The FBI or the DEA may then be involved in the investigation and filing of charges.
A good defense attorney, experienced with the complexities of the wide range of drug charges, can greatly affect the outcome of your case. For example, potential results include getting a drug charge dismissed, or obtaining a significant reduction of the charges or the penalties.
David A. Stein is a respected and dedicated drug defense attorney. Call our office if you are currently under investigation or if you’ve already been charged with a drug crime. Protect your rights and your future: (949) 445-0040 for a no-cost evaluation.
How Our Law Offices Can Defend You Against a Drug Crime Charge
David A. Stein is a distinguished criminal attorney and trial lawyer. He has a track record of successfully handling drug cases; getting charges dismissed or reduced, negotiating probation or drug diversion programs instead of jail time, and winning acquittals on serious drug charges in trial. His experience in defending drug cases means he can expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case; uncover police misconduct, bias, or violations; or make a compelling case for drug treatment over criminal punishment.
Our attorneys provide outstanding legal representation for our clients involving charges of drug possession or sales, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, ecstasy, synthetic drugs and marijuana, drug manufacturing or all drug-related charges. We will help you understand your rights and your options under the law, helping you and your family deal with the stress and uncertainty surrounding your case. We are available to our clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you have been charged with a drug crime in any Orange County city, call us for an immediate and free consultation about your case at (949) 445-0040 for a no-cost evaluation. You can also reach us privately by email here.
Drug Penalties and Sentencing
Misdemeanor Drug Charges
Possession of a Controlled Substance: Health and Safety Code 11350 HS
Simple possession is a misdemeanor which includes possessing drugs such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as unlawfully obtained prescription drugs. A conviction of this crime can result in fines and a jail sentence of up to one year, however, but many clients may qualify for alternative sentencing programs or a deferred entry of judgement program (DEJ).
Under the Influence: Health and Safety Code 11550 HS
It a misdemeanor to use or be under the influence of a controlled substance, including illegal narcotics and unlawfully attained prescription drugs. A conviction carries a penalty of up to one year in the county jail, but many offenders qualify for alternative sentencing or DEJ.
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: Health and Safety Code 11364 HS
Possessing any kind of paraphernalia for the express purpose of injecting or smoking a controlled substance is a misdemeanor. Typical drug use instruments include needles, pipes, small spoons, and glassware. While a conviction for this crime can result in a jail sentence of up to six months, offenders may qualify for alternative sentencing or DEJ.
California Marijuana Laws
While California marijuana laws have become much more progressive in recent years, it is still a crime under many circumstances to cultivate, sell, possess, or use marijuana. Charges may be filed as a misdemeanor or as a felony, depending on the specific situation. While the penalties for minor marijuana crimes may seem relatively light, cultivation, sale, or transportation of marijuana may become felonies that can result in a jail sentence.
Felony Drug Charges
Possession for Sale of Narcotics: Health and Safety Code 11351 HS
This is a serious drug charge that can result in a felony conviction. Police and prosecutors typically file this charge when large quantities of drugs are found in someone’s possession, or packaging, scales, weapons or large sums of cash are involved. You may be accused of this crime even though you only possessed the drugs only for your own personal use. There may be factors involved in your case that an experienced attorney could exploit to obtain a reduction of the charges or even a dismissal of the case. A conviction of a felony for possession for sales may lead to a sentence of up to four years in jail.
Sale or Transportation of a Controlled Substance: Health and Safety Code 11352 HS
It is a felony to sell, furnish, administer, give away, transport, or import an illicit substance. This is a more serious crime than simple possession. Conviction carries a sentence of up to five years. It is possible for an experienced attorney to negotiate a reduced charge or even obtain a dismissal under certain circumstances.
Manufacturing Drugs and Narcotics: Health and Safety Code 11379.6 HS
Manufacturing, producing, compounding, or processing a controlled substance (e.g. meth labs) is a felony. It is extremely important to have an attorney who understands the complex evidence a prosecutor must show. A person charged with this offense must have been in the actual process of producing the illegal substance, rather than merely gathering the equipment and making the preparations to do so. A conviction for this crime carries the harshest sentencing of any California drug law: up to seven years in state prison.
