Los Angeles Drug Possession Defense Attorneys
Aggressive Defense for Drug Possession Charges in California
Drug possession is a serious crime in California. If you are convicted, you could face jail or prison time, fines, probation, and other penalties. A conviction will also result in a criminal record, which can make it difficult to find a job, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses.
At Stein & Markus, our Los Angeles drug possession lawyers are committed to helping you fight the charges you face. We have extensive experience handling all types of drug crime cases, including those involving simple possession. Our team is prepared to aggressively advocate for you in court and work to secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Call our office at (562) 512-7030 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our drug possession attorneys in Los Angeles today.
What Is Drug Possession?
Drug possession is a crime in California. It is illegal to possess any controlled substance without a valid prescription. This includes both illegal drugs and prescription medications. If you are found to be in possession of a controlled substance, you could be charged with a crime.
Under California Health and Safety Code Section 11350, it is illegal to possess the following controlled substances:
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Codeine
- Hydrocodone
- Oxycodone
- Valium
- Vicodin
- Xanax
It is also illegal to possess certain other drugs, such as methamphetamine, LSD, and psilocybin (magic mushrooms). Additionally, it is illegal to possess certain prescription medications without a valid prescription, including Adderall, Ritalin, and OxyContin.
Drug possession charges can be filed as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The type of drug involved, the amount of the drug, and whether the defendant has any prior drug convictions will all be taken into account when determining how the charges will be filed.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in California?
Drug possession is a wobbler in California. This means that it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The penalties for drug possession will depend on how the charges are filed.
If you are convicted of misdemeanor drug possession, you could face the following penalties:
- Up to 1 year in county jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
- Probation
If you are convicted of felony drug possession, you could face the following penalties:
- 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in county jail
- Up to $10,000 in fines
- Probation
It is important to note that these are just the penalties for a simple drug possession conviction. If you are found to be in possession of a large amount of drugs, you could face additional charges, such as possession with intent to sell. This is a much more serious crime and carries much harsher penalties.
How Can a Drug Possession Lawyer Help?
If you have been charged with drug possession, it is important to consult with an experienced drug possession attorney in Los Angeles as soon as possible. A conviction can have serious consequences, so you need to do everything you can to fight the charges you face.
At Stein & Markus, our Los Angeles drug possession lawyers can help you understand your legal options and make informed decisions about your case. We will conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you and work to uncover any evidence that could be used to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Our team will also work to identify any potential defenses that could be used to get the charges against you reduced or dismissed. For example, if the drugs were found during an illegal search and seizure, we may be able to get the evidence suppressed. This could result in the charges against you being dropped.
If you are facing drug possession charges, you need an experienced drug possession attorney in Los Angeles on your side. Our team will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you secure the best possible outcome in your case.
What Are the Defenses to Drug Possession Charges?
If you have been charged with drug possession, there are several defenses that may be available to you. The specific defense strategy that will be used in your case will depend on the unique circumstances involved.
Some of the most common defenses to drug possession charges include:
- Illegal search and seizure
- Unlawful traffic stop
- Unlawful arrest
- Drugs did not belong to you
- Valid prescription
Our Los Angeles drug possession lawyers will thoroughly review the facts of your case and determine the best defense strategy to use. We will work tirelessly to help you fight the charges you face and protect your rights every step of the way.
How Long Does a Drug Possession Case Take?
The length of a drug possession case will depend on several factors, including the specific circumstances of the case and the court’s schedule. In general, drug possession cases can take anywhere from a few months to over a year to resolve.
After you are arrested, you will be arraigned. This is when the charges against you are read and you enter a plea. If you plead not guilty, the case will proceed to the pretrial phase. During this time, your drug possession attorney in Los Angeles will conduct a thorough investigation into the charges against you and work to uncover any evidence that could be used to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Once the pretrial phase is complete, the case will proceed to trial. At trial, the prosecution will present its case and your attorney will have the opportunity to present a defense. After both sides have presented their cases, the jury will deliberate and reach a verdict. If you are found not guilty, the case will be dismissed. If you are found guilty, the case will proceed to the sentencing phase.
It is important to note that most drug possession cases do not go to trial. Instead, they are resolved through plea bargains. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defense in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence. Our team will work tirelessly to negotiate a favorable plea bargain on your behalf.
Why Choose Stein & Markus?
At Stein & Markus, our Los Angeles drug possession lawyers have over 30 years of combined legal experience. We have a comprehensive understanding of California drug laws and what it takes to win a drug possession case. Our team is prepared to fight tirelessly for you in court and work to secure the best possible outcome in your case.
We understand that being charged with drug possession can be incredibly stressful. Our team is here to provide you with the compassionate legal guidance you need and deserve during this difficult time. We will be available to answer your questions and address your concerns as they arise. Our team will work to make the legal process as smooth and stress-free as possible.
If you are facing drug possession charges, you need an experienced drug possession attorney in Los Angeles on your side. Our team will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Drug Possession Attorneys in Los Angeles
If you have been charged with drug possession, you need an experienced drug possession attorney in Los Angeles on your side. At Stein & Markus, our team is committed to providing you with the aggressive legal representation you need and deserve. We will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and help you secure the best possible outcome in your case.
Call our office at (562) 512-7030 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our drug possession attorneys in Los Angeles today.
Why Choose Stein & Markus?
What Makes Us Different
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We Provide Free ConsultationsTalk through all of your legal options during a free consultation.
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Work with a Former ProsecutorOur prosecutor turned defense attorney is ready to protect you!
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Hablamos EspañolWork with a criminal defense attorney who speaks your language.
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