If you have been charged with a drug crime, you need skilled legal counsel to skillfully defend you. The consequences of a narcotics conviction are life-altering, so your choice of legal representation is crucial.
Our Ontario drug lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott Henry have the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively defend you against any charges. Our criminal defense attorneys have over four decades of experience handling drug cases with a proven track record of dismissals, favorable plea deals, alternative sentencing, and not guilty verdicts. Our legal team understands the complex state and federal controlled substance laws, the inner workings of the legal system, and the steps that need to be taken to protect your rights and secure a favorable legal outcome.
California Health and Safety Code 11350 HS states that it is unlawful for an individual to possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription. According to the Schedule of Controlled Substances, this includes methamphetamine, codeine, valium, fentanyl, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, cocaine, Xanax, Oxycontin, and Vicodin.
Simple drug possession or possession for personal use is charged as a misdemeanor under Proposition 47. A conviction carries penalties that may include up to one year in jail, a $1,000 fine, informal probation, mandatory drug counseling, and community service. Fortunately, our defense attorneys in Ontario are typically successful in obtaining drug diversion programs for first-time offenders.
If you have been charged with certain low-level drug crimes, such as simple drug possession or possession of drug paraphernalia, it may be possible to enter a diversion program in lieu of a being convicted and receiving jail time. California Penal Code 1000 PC allows for a deferred entry of judgment, meaning that if the defendant successfully completes the treatment and education program, their charges can be dismissed. However, if they do not fulfill the requirements or complete the program, they can be convicted of the original charge and receive traditional court-imposed penalties. Our lawyers in Ontario have had great success helping clients obtain a drug diversion program over traditional sentencing.
Proposition 47, which California voters passed back in 2014, reduced the penalties for certain drug and theft crimes. It aimed to ensure that prison costs were focused more on violent and serious offenses rather than low-level crimes. Prop 47, named “Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act,” also took several felony crimes that were wobblers and changed them to misdemeanors. This applies to several drug crimes, including possession of a controlled substance and possession of methamphetamine. Those previously convicted of certain felonies may be able to have the courts reclassify their conviction and revise their court-imposed penalties. To find out if you are eligible for a reclassification under Proposition 47, please contact our Ontario drug defense attorneys today.
At the Law Offices of Scott Henry, our Ontario drug lawyers have dedicated their careers to defending individuals facing serious criminal charges. We have over 40 years of combined narcotics defense experience, allowing us to effectively defend you against these charges. We could use every weapon at our disposal to obtain a favorable outcome, including filing motions to suppress evidence obtained during an illegal search and seizure, challenging search warrants, and negotiating skillfully to obtain a reduction in charges or a favorable plea deal.
If you have been charged with a drug crime, contact our offices today for a complimentary consultation. We understand how frightening and stressful this situation can be and are committed to doing everything within our power to get you a favorable result.
(888) 444-7210