Nearly half of all inmates in this state are serving sentences for drug-related crimes. As such, these cases are taken very seriously by local prosecutors, so if you or a loved one has been charged with a crime involving a controlled substance, it is essential to have aggressive, knowledgeable legal representation on your side. Our Santa Ana drug lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott D. Henry could provide a superior defense and fight tirelessly to get you a positive outcome.
Law enforcement zealously pursues offenses, including drug possession, possession with the intent to sell or distribute, narcotics manufacturing, and drug trafficking. These crimes can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony, depending on the circumstances surrounding the alleged offense. Even a misdemeanor drug charge carries harsh, long-term penalties, so any charges must be aggressively defended by a skilled attorney in Santa Ana.
Under California Health and Safety code 11364 HS, it is illegal to possess a device or instrument used to administer a controlled substance. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a misdemeanor offense that is punishable by a maximum of six months in jail, mandatory drug counseling, community service, probation, and fines of up to $1,000. Additionally, if any usable amounts of drugs are found, it could be charged as felony possession of a controlled substance.
California Health and Safety code 11379 HS defines drug trafficking as unlawfully transporting, administering, furnishing, selling, or distributing a controlled substance. A drug trafficking offense can result in a felony criminal charge. If the alleged offense took place over state lines or involved a large amount of methamphetamine, it can be charged on the federal level, resulting in harsher penalties if convicted. A felony drug trafficking conviction carries penalties of three to nine years in state prison, a maximum fine of $20,000, community service, and felony probation.
If you have been charged with simple drug possession or possession of drug paraphernalia, you face strict court-imposed penalties if convicted. Our knowledgeable lawyers in Santa Ana could effectively defend you against these types of drug charges by reviewing your case and determining your legal options. Several defenses could be appropriate, depending on the circumstances of the alleged offense. Some of these may include having a valid prescription, being unaware you possessed a controlled substance, the substance belonged to another person, or the substance was found as a result of an illegal search and seizure.
Our legal team is committed to protecting your rights. Often, drugs are found through an unlawful search that violates your 4th Amendment rights. We could perform a thorough investigation into the alleged incident and your arrest to determine if your rights were violated. If we find that violations did occur, we could immediately move to disallow the evidence and have your charges dismissed.
There is a lot on the line when you face drug charges in this state. Therefore, it is crucial to have aggressive, competent legal counsel to defend you against these charges and get you the result you need.
If you have been charged with a narcotics-related offense, consult with our experienced Santa Ana drug lawyers today. We have the knowledge and skills necessary to fight for your rights and ensure a favorable legal outcome. Our legal team is dedicated to doing what is in your best interests and committed to advocating aggressively on your behalf.
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