Los Angeles Drug Possession Lawyer

If you have been accused of drug possession in Los Angeles, you can count on our experienced criminal defense attorney to fight for your rights. A conviction on drug charges can ruin your life.

The legal standard for proving a drug charge is “beyond a reasonable doubt.” You need an experienced attorney who can review the evidence and build a strong defense for your case.

Charges

If you’ve been accused of drug possession, you need a knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles drug crimes lawyer to protect your rights. This attorney can help you understand the charges against you, identify your legal defense options, and aggressively fight to reduce or eliminate the penalties.

Possession of drugs, especially narcotics, is a serious crime that can result in jail time and a criminal record. Whether it’s for a misdemeanor or felony, having a conviction on your record can negatively impact your future prospects in life, from employment to education.

In California, possessing a controlled substance is a misdemeanor that can be punished by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. This is thanks to Proposition 47, which passed in 2014 and made certain non-serious crimes like possession a misdemeanor.

Penalties

The penalties associated with drug possession vary by country. They include fines, community service, and other forms of rehabilitative responses.

Possession of a small amount of drugs is often charged as a misdemeanor. However, prosecutors will sometimes add an additional charge of drug distribution (selling drugs) if there is a large quantity involved.

This is a form of aggravated possession and can carry much heavier penalties than simple drug possession. It can also have serious impacts on employment and student loans.

If you are a first time offender, the courts often allow a person to plead guilty and pay a fine in exchange for a promise to complete a rehabilitation program. Once the program is completed, the charges are dismissed.

Defenses

If you are arrested for possession of a drug, it is important to seek legal help immediately. A conviction can lead to serious consequences, including a criminal record, jail time, and the loss of your job or other assets.

Even if you are charged with a simple possession charge, there are numerous defenses that may be available to you. For instance, a Los Angeles drug possession lawyer may be able to challenge the basis for your arrest and seek a suppression of any evidence obtained during the search.

Another defense is to argue that you possessed the drugs temporarily or for a specific purpose. This could be the case if you were trying to dispose of the substances or if you were in the process of getting them removed from your house or other location.

Representation

If you have been charged with possession of a controlled substance in Los Angeles, you need the representation of a skilled Los Angeles drug possession lawyer. With your freedom in mind, a drug defense lawyer will fight for the best possible outcome in court and minimize the impact that the crime has on your future.

In California, possession of drugs is a misdemeanor or felony depending on the amount. Marijuana is a felony, but possession of less than 28.5 grams of marijuana is still a misdemeanor.

Possession of a drug is a serious offense, and there are many penalties that could affect your life. These penalties can include jail time, fines, and other legal consequences that may affect your ability to find a job or attend school.