If you face charges for controlled substances, it is essential to speak with a knowledgeable Redlands drug lawyer right away. Our highly regarded criminal defense attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry have over four decades of drug defense experience. Our attorneys have long-standing relationships with law enforcement, prosecutors, and judges and have in-depth knowledge of how these crimes are investigated and prosecuted, which allows us to build an effective case-specific defense.
Types of Drug Crimes in Redlands
Drug crimes have become a major issue within the area. To combat the number of narcotics offenses, local law enforcement and prosecutors have made these cases a top priority. Some common drug charges include:
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of a controlled substance for sale
- Drug manufacturing
- Transportation of a controlled substance
- Selling or furnishing a controlled substance
Drug Possession Charges
Drug possession is prosecuted under California Health and Safety Code 11350 HS. After Proposition 47 was passed, possession of a controlled substance for personal use, or “simple possession,” can only be charged as a misdemeanor. Most first-time offenders receive diversion, also referred to as deferred entry of judgment, to avoid a criminal conviction. However, if this is not an individual’s first time receiving these charges, they may face a maximum of one year in jail, up to $1,000 in fines, and required community service. One of our skilled drug defense attorneys in Redlands could proactively negotiate to get you into a diversion program to help you avoid the harsh penalties associated with a conviction. Legal defenses for simple possession include:
- You were not in possession of a narcotic.
- You had a prescription for the controlled substance in question.
- Law enforcement performed an unlawful search and seizure.
Types of Controlled Substances
Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code 11350 HS, it is unlawful to possess a controlled substance without a valid prescription. Some controlled substances are legally manufactured by pharmaceutical companies and others are illegally manufactured. Some common controlled substances include:
- Cocaine
- Meth
- Heroin
- LSD
- Vicodin
- Codeine, morphine, or other opiates
- Oxycontin, hydrocodone, and fentanyl, or other opioids
- Xanax, or other benzodiazepines
Penalties for Narcotics Offenses
In an effort to cut down on these crimes, these cases are aggressively prosecuted and strictly punished. Penalties vary considerably and largely depend on the type of charge and the amount of drugs involved. Some of the penalties for these charges include:
- Substantial fines
- Jail or prison sentence
- Probation or parole
- Required substance abuse counseling
- Drug offender registration
- Driver’s license revocation
- Immigration status issues
Depending on the narcotics offense you are facing, an experienced attorney in Redlands could help someone minimize the potential penalties they may be facing.
Contact an Experienced Redlands Drug Attorney
If you face drug charges, you are dealing with a serious matter. A narcotics conviction can have long-lasting negative effects on your future. It is best to be proactive and immediately speak with an experienced Redlands drug lawyer.
Our skilled team of attorneys at The Law Office of Scott D. Henry has extensive, in-depth experience defending those facing drug-related charges. We have dedicated our careers to fighting tirelessly for the accused to ensure their rights and freedom are protected. Our legal team could guide you through the challenging criminal process while advocating aggressively on your behalf. Please contact our office today for a free consultation.