People take many rights and freedoms an overwhelming experience for most people, as these offenses often carry tough penalties with consequences in their future lives. Also, there's an issue with these charges: they're usually given out unfairly.
In Sacramento, drug crime must be taken seriously, and the punishment's severity can be influenced by many different factors.
In the worst scenario, offenders end up guilty of a severe crime, are sentenced to prison, and see their lives ruined. Therefore, the best decision a person facing charges for drug offenses can make is to contact a seasoned criminal defense attorney.
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Types of Drug Crimes
Depending on the type of drug crime, people may face criminal charges for misdemeanors or felonies. These are the most common:
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Drug possession
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Selling to a minor
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Drug possession with intent to sell
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Drug trafficking
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Drug smuggling
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Drug manufacturing
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Marijuana crimes
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Schedule I drug offenses
Can A Person Be Charged With A Felony For A Drug Offense In California?
Those who have a drug crime record with multiple offenses or commit a serious crime can be charged with a felony.
Under the state's laws, a felony drug crime carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail. However, in most cases, severe drug felonies are punishable by life in prison.
How Those Accused of Drug Crimes Are Often Charged
In California, drug-related laws are more lenient than in other states. However, it doesn't mean people accused of drug crimes will not face severe penalties.
Offenders can be punished with thousands of dollars in fines, loss of personal rights, jail time, and more. Some are required to complete a substance abuse education course or a drug diversion program.
Furthermore, most people charged with drug crimes get a criminal record that can affect their ability to find a job in the future, secure a position in a company, be eligible for a housing program, or even attend college.
Therefore, anyone facing drug crime should take the charges seriously and seek legal help to defend their case.
What Happens If They're Accused of Drug Possession?
Under California's legal system, a person arrested for drug possession would face a misdemeanor charge if it's a simple possession, meaning that the controlled substances were for personal use.
A misdemeanor offense in this state is often punishable by up to one year in county jail, a $1,000 fine, and community services.
However, if a person faces secondary drug possession charges, the fine can increase to $2,000 or a prison sentence of up to two years.
Moreover, when a person is arrested for a Schedule I drug-related crime, which varies by severity and medical use, the penalties may be different.
Factors That May Affect How a Person Is Charged
Under California law, penalties and how a person is charged depend on a number of factors. These include the following:
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If it is the person's first offense
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Type of controlled substances involved
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The amount and monetary value of the controlled substance that the defendant possessed
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If there are minor children involved in the crime
Why It Is Necessary To Call An Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney
In many cases, especially those involving people crossing state lines or county borders for drug trafficking, government agencies can take action. The group includes the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
In this scenario, cases must be prosecuted in court, and defendants may face harsher penalties. Therefore, it is essential to have the help of Sacramento drug crime attorneys.
Whether they are charged with selling controlled substances or have been involved in the illicit drug production process, those accused are entitled to seek legal assistance to fight for their rights.
Drug charges can change a person's life and have a huge impact on their future. That's why all affected parties can rely on a Sacramento drug crime lawyer to build a solid case and defend it.
How Can a Sacramento Drug Crimes Attorney Defend Those Affected
A Sacramento drug crimes lawyer can defend affected parties in many ways. While most drug crimes are considered felonies, including possessing marijuana or drug paraphernalia, an expert can help offenders get the charges dismissed or reduced.
Also, if the drug crime case escalates and makes it to court, an experienced attorney can help people defend it, depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding it.
However, offenders must be aware of the common legal defenses they can use if they face drug charges.
Common Legal Defenses
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Medical needs: Sacramento drug crime attorneys can fight for the rights of people who possess drugs by medical prescription as long as they have a valid prescription from a licensed physician and comply with California laws.
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Lack of evidence: Drug crime lawyers can also help defendants fight the charges if they have been arrested without sufficient evidence.
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Inappropriate arrest: If there is a false drug crime claim, there may be an illegal arrest. However, drug crime attorneys can help those accused defend their cases and get the charges dismissed if they're innocent.
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Entrapment: When police officers arrest people after inducing that they committed crimes by using illegal methods, criminal defense lawyers can also fight to get the charges dismissed.
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Not owning illegal drugs: In many cases involving drug crimes, there is no evidence that the person possessed drugs or controlled substances. An individual cannot be arrested or charged with a crime if there is no incriminating proof!
How Goss Law Can Help
As mentioned, anyone facing drug offenses can seek help from a Sacramento drug crimes attorney to fight for their rights, and we're here to help!
At Goss Law, we have a team experienced in drug crime cases ready to help those affected build a strong case and defend it in court.
From negotiating better deals with prosecutors to looking for evidence to prove if our clients actually committed drug offenses, our Sacramento drug crime lawyer can lend a hand to all defendants!
Contact Goss Law and Get a Free Consultation Today!
Drug crime charges can affect people's lives in many ways. Most lose their jobs and their eligibility for rights that everyone has.
However, a Sacramento drug crimes lawyer can do everything possible to save those affected from jail time for a drug crime conviction, reduce fines, and avoid other serious consequences.
If you or a family member has been accused of possessing, consuming, or selling illegal substances, don't hesitate to contact us! A Sacramento drug offense lawyer will review your case as you as soon as you call us!