San Diego Drug Crime Defense Attorney
Providing Skilled Representation for Drug Charges in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties
If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug offense, you need a San Diego drug crime attorney you can trust. At Don't Talk Legal Center, we have handled thousands of cases and have a team of skilled and experienced criminal defense attorneys who can fight for you. No matter the circumstances of your case, we can help you explore your options and put our experience to work for you.
The following drug crimes can all result in serious penalties:
- Possession
- Distribution
- Cultivation of controlled substances
If you are convicted, you can face fines, prison time, probation, and more. You may also be required to forfeit any property used in the commission of the offense, and you can be ordered to pay for all the prosecution's costs. You may also be required to enroll in a drug court program and may be required to submit to drug testing.
If you are charged with a drug crime, you need an attorney who is prepared to fight for you. At Don't Talk Legal Center, we have years of experience and a team of highly skilled and experienced attorneys who can fight for you. We have handled thousands of cases and have a thorough understanding of the law and the criminal justice system.
If you are facing charges for a drug crime, don't hesitate to contact the San Diego drug crime attorney at Don't Talk Legal Center about your options today. Call (858) 544-1386.
What Types of Drug Crimes Do We Handle?
Our firm is ready to help you if you have been charged with:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Manufacture of a controlled substance
- Selling of a controlled substance
- Unlawful prescription of a controlled substance
- Unlawful possession of a prescription-only drug
- Drug paraphernalia possession
- Drug trafficking
If you are facing charges for drug crimes, you need a criminal defense attorney who is ready to fight for you. At Don't Talk Legal Center, we have handled thousands of cases and have a team of highly skilled and experienced criminal defense attorneys who can help you.
We have a thorough understanding of the law and the criminal justice system, and we are ready to put our experience to work for you. We can explore your options and fight for you throughout the legal process.
What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in California?
The penalties for drug crimes in California vary significantly depending on the specific offense, the type of drug, and the amount involved. For example, possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use is typically treated more leniently than possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine or heroin.
- Possession Charges: A conviction for simple possession of a controlled substance can result in penalties such as probation, fines, or up to one year in county jail. If you are facing a charge for possessing a significant quantity of drugs, the penalties can escalate to multiple years in state prison.
- Possession with Intent to Sell: Possessing drugs with the intent to sell can lead to much harsher penalties. Depending on the type and quantity of drugs involved, you could face 2-4 years in state prison.
- Drug Trafficking Charges: Drug trafficking is considered a serious crime and can lead to significant prison sentences, especially if you are involved in trafficking large quantities of drugs across state or national borders. Federal trafficking convictions often come with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with the possibility of life imprisonment for the most severe offenses.
- Manufacturing Drugs: Manufacturing drugs like methamphetamine can result in a felony conviction and several years in prison. Penalties may increase if minors were involved, or if the manufacturing process involved hazardous chemicals, which could endanger others or cause widespread harm.
- Drug Paraphernalia Charges: While drug paraphernalia charges are typically considered misdemeanors, a conviction can still result in fines and up to 6 months in county jail. If the paraphernalia is linked to a larger drug offense, the penalties could be more severe.
Aggravating factors in drug crimes cases
Aggravating factors can significantly impact the severity of penalties in drug crime cases. In California, certain circumstances may increase the charges or lead to harsher penalties.
Some common aggravating factors in drug cases include:
- Having a history of drug-related offenses or other criminal convictions.
- Dealing with larger quantities of drugs can lead to more serious charges.
- Committing a crime near a school, park, or other public area.
- Using firearms or weapons.
Understanding these aggravating factors can help guide the defense strategy. A San Diego drug crime defense lawyer can challenge or mitigate the impact of these factors, aiming for reduced charges or penalties and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
What are COmmon Defenses to Drug Crime Charges?
When facing drug charges, exploring every possible defense is crucial. A skilled San Diego drug crime defense attorney can assess the evidence and develop a strong defense strategy. Common defenses include challenging the legality of a search or seizure under the Fourth Amendment. In some cases, entrapment—where law enforcement induces you to commit a crime—can also serve as a defense.
Other defenses can include proving you had a valid prescription for drugs or that you are legally using medical marijuana, provided you follow California’s regulations. If you're charged with possession with intent to sell, a San Diego drug crime defense lawyer may argue that the drugs were for personal use and not for distribution. A thorough review of the case can uncover the best defenses to protect your rights.
What are Your Rights in Drug Crime Cases?
When facing drug crime charges, it's crucial to understand your rights and legal options. Our San Diego drug crime defense attorneys are dedicated to providing skilled representation and ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. We will work tirelessly to build a strong defense strategy and advocate for the best possible outcome for your case.
Key aspects of understanding your rights in drug crime cases include:
- Protection against unlawful search and seizure
- Potential eligibility for diversion programs or alternative sentencing options
- The right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination
- Possibility of challenging evidence and witness testimony
Don't navigate the complexities of drug crime charges alone. Contact our San Diego drug crime lawyers for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can help protect your rights and defend your future.
Contact Our San Diego Drug Crime Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you are facing criminal charges for a drug crime, we encourage you to contact our firm for a free consultation. We can review your case and explore the best options for your defense. You can count on our firm to be prepared and ready to fight for you throughout the legal process.
Facing drug charges? To schedule a free consultation with our San Diego drug crime lawyer, please call us at (858) 544-1386 or contact us online.