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Statistics indicate that Nationwide, drugs and narcotic-related offenses account for approximately one-third of all arrests. Southern California has had the distinction of leading the Nation in arrests for possession of a controlled substance (illegal drugs). And, according to the California Department of Corrections, about 20,000 of the state's 160,000 prisoners are in jail or prison for drug offenses, such as being under the influence of a controlled substance and possession or sales of cocaine, PCP, LSD, heroin, methamphetamine (or "meth"), ectasy (known as "X", "XTC" or "Xtacy"), or transportation or sale of marijuana, or other newer drugs.
Unfortunately, police and prosecutors tend to interpret any available evidence, no matter how small, as evidence that narcotics found were possession for sale, and not for personal use. The difference in consequences are major, and the penalties for drug crimes range from very severe to probation and classes or a treatment program.
Charges are Generally Based Upon:
- Quantity
- Intent to Sell or Distribute
- Weapons Possession
- Evidence of Cales Activity
- Having Large Amounts of Money
Cases involving drugs give rise to many issues, and many possible defenses and ultimate results can vary greatly. Our law firm has successfully handled cases ranging from misdemeanor drug possession and being under the influence of a controlled substance to the most serious felony drug possession for sales and transportation of narcotics offenses. We would be happy to discuss your case with you.
Every case is different, but we may be able to reduce the penalties or even have the case dismissed by doing the following:
a) Have the evidence against you thrown out of court. If you were searched and evidence was collected against you, it must have been done according to the law. If the method by which law enforcement personnel carried out the search of your property was illegal, the evidence against you cannot be used in court.
b) If this is your first offense and there was no violence involved, you could be eligible for alternative sentencing such as diversion program, special drugcourt or as mentioned above, Proposition 36.
If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a drug or narcotics offense, the most important call you can make will be to a good criminal defense attorney. Violating the laws in California can bring very severe penalties, and there is nothing more important than having an aggressive and experienced law firm on your side, to fight to get charges reduced and in some cases dismissed. If jail time is inevitable, an exceptional lawyer may be able to get the jail time reduced, suspended, or convince in an argument to the court to allow an alternative to jail time such as a drug treatment program, home monitoring, work furlough, Caltrans, or live in drug rehabilitation. We invite you to call our firm.
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