×

Sacramento Drug Crimes Lawyer

Home | Sacramento Drug Crimes Lawyer

In Sacramento and the state of California, drug crimes can lead to serious penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, fines, and loss of certain rights and personal freedoms. Therefore, individuals facing drug charges in the area should secure representation from a Sacramento drug crimes lawyer. If you are facing drug charges in Sacramento or surrounding areas, a skilled attorney from Tully & Weiss can help you design a strong defense to fight back.

Common Drug Charges in Sacramento, California

In California, drug charges can either include minor infractions or severe penalties, with consequences being dependent on the details of the situation, the amount and type of drugs in question, and the defendant’s criminal history. Some of the more common drug charges that are handled by our criminal defense legal team include the following:

  • Simple possession. Simple possession is a type of drug possession crime that happens when an individual has a controlled substance in their possession with the intent of personally using it. Certain drug offenses are now decriminalized in California, such as the possession of a certain quantity of marijuana. However, possession of other drugs, such as heroin or cocaine, can result in misdemeanor or felony charges.
  • Possession with intent to sell. If the police have reason to believe that you had a controlled substance in your possession with the intent to sell it, this can result in a felony charge. Unlike simple possession, possession with intent to sell is a serious charge that can result in long prison sentences and severe fines. Law enforcement may presume intent to sell by considering paraphernalia, packaging materials, cash amounts, and drug quantity.
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia. In California, individuals can be charged with crimes for possessing drug paraphernalia or objects utilized to consume, inject, smoke, or ingest controlled substances. Drug paraphernalia examples include bongs, needles, and pipes. Although this crime is typically classified as a misdemeanor, it could still result in criminal penalties and other negative consequences.
  • Prescription drug crimes. Crimes involving prescription drugs include instances such as the illegal sale, possession, or distribution of these substances. Common substances included in these crimes are stimulants like Adderall, Benzodiazepines (such as Valium or Xanax), and opioids like Vicodin or Oxycontin. Although these drugs can be legally secured via prescriptions, it is illegal to possess them without a prescription from a doctor.
  • Drug distribution and trafficking. Drug distribution and trafficking are some of the more severe drug charges that can be brought forward in California. Such charges involve the distribution, transportation, or illegal sale of controlled substances, with the potential to be prosecuted at either the federal or state level, depending on the circumstances. Drug trafficking charges can lead to serious prison sentences, with federal charges being even more severe.
  • Drug manufacturing. Individuals who cultivate or legally produce controlled substances can face charges for drug manufacturing crimes. This includes instances of funding a methamphetamine lab or growing marijuana without having adequate authorization. Drug manufacturing cases typically involve long and in-depth investigations by law enforcement. If drug manufacturing crimes are considered to be a threat to public safety, penalties can be even more severe.

Whether you are facing minor charges for possession of drug paraphernalia or have been implicated in a severe crime, such as drug manufacturing, a skilled criminal defense lawyer from Tully & Weiss can apply our detailed attention and knowledge to your case. Together, we can design and implement an optimal defense strategy to fight back against your charges.

How a Sacramento Drug Crimes Lawyer Can Help You Fight Your Charges

If you are dealing with drug crime charges, it is important to work with experienced legal counsel who understands just how high the stakes can be. A Sacramento drug crimes lawyer from Tully & Weiss genuinely understands the intensity of the situation and can craft a defense strategy that is proportional to the charges you are facing. Specifically, we can assist you with the following:

  • Providing a case evaluation. A lawyer from our team can meet right away with you to work to understand your case details. We can go over the prosecution’s case, including the evidence they are holding against you, and work to find inaccuracies, insufficiencies, or inconsistencies. Based on key details such as your criminal history and involved legal procedures, a lawyer from our firm can help you understand your legal options.
  • Calling the process and evidence into question. If the evidence against you was obtained in an illegal manner, such as if it was illegally collected without following adequate procedures for search and seizure, an experienced attorney from our firm can work to get this evidence suppressed. If the prosecution’s evidence is ultimately deemed to be inadmissible in court, your entire case could be dropped.
  • Build a robust defense strategy. An experienced drug crime attorney from our team can build a solid defense strategy. For example, if you are charged for illegal possession of prescription medications, they can bring forward a valid prescription from a doctor in defense. Furthermore, if you are charged with committing a possession crime, they may bring forward evidence to prove that you unknowingly had the drugs on or around you.
  • Negotiating with the prosecution. Depending on the details of the case, it may be ideal to negotiate with the prosecution. A lawyer from our firm can fiercely work to negotiate a favorable plea deal on your behalf to get you alternative sentencing or your charges reduced. For example, if you are potentially facing jail time, they can advocate for you to be assigned to a drug diversion program instead.
  • Advocating for you in court. If your drug-related case ends up going to court, an experienced litigator from our firm can bring forward a robust defense on your behalf. They can cross-examine witnesses to show inconsistencies and call into question the prosecution’s evidence. Ultimately, they can assist you with navigating these complex legal processes.

If you are facing drug crimes in Sacramento or surrounding areas, an empathetic and skilled lawyer from our firm can help champion your case. We are here for you during this challenging time to help you navigate complex legal processes and mount a strong defense to minimize your sentencing or even get your case dropped.

FAQs:

Can Drug Charges Be Dismissed in California?

Yes, drug charges can be dismissed in California depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, if there is not enough evidence to incriminate you or if it is inconsistent or inaccurate, an attorney can file a motion to get the evidence suppressed and the charges dismissed. Other reasons for dismissing charges include violations of your rights during investigation or arrest and successfully completing a drug diversion program.

What Are Drug Diversion Programs in California?

In California, drug diversion programs give people who have been charged with drug possession crimes the opportunity to avoid going to jail by successfully completing a treatment or rehabilitation program. Depending on case details, certain individuals can be eligible for programs such as California’s Penal Code 1000’s drug diversion programs.

A knowledgeable drug crime lawyer can review the details of your case and help you understand whether you are eligible for a drug diversion program.

What Is the Three Strikes Law, and How Does It Affect Drug Crimes in California?

The Three Strikes Law in California gives a repeat offender of serious or violent felonies harsher penalties. Individuals who have two existing convictions for violent or serious felonies – including some drug crimes — can face a prison sentence ranging from 25 years to life. A skilled drug crimes attorney can work to build a strong defense strategy that challenges whether the three strikes law should apply to your case.

What Is Proposition 47, and How Does It Affect CA Drug Crimes?

Proposition 47 was passed in California in 2014, making many nonviolent drug possession crimes classified as felonies reclassified as misdemeanors. This means that individuals who commit these crimes are now able to avoid unnecessarily long prison sentences for minor crimes. Prop 47 also applies to some past felony convictions, reclassifying them as misdemeanors and lowering penalties for those previously convicted to be reduced.

A lawyer can help you understand whether your conviction is eligible for expungement.

Can I Be Charged With a Federal Drug Crime in California?

Yes, you could be charged with a federal drug crime in California if it involves certain elements, such as large quantities of illegal substances or trafficking over state lines. Usually, federal drug charges have more severe penalties than state drug charges. A lawyer who has experience navigating both federal and state drug crime cases can build a strong defense strategy to successfully defend your case and protect your rights.

Work With a Sacramento Drug Crimes Lawyer to Fight Your Drug Charges

Whether you have been charged with a serious drug crime, such as trafficking, or a minor possession crime, it is critical to have skilled and experienced legal representation who can ensure you are aware of your rights and that you mount a strong defense. A seasoned Sacramento drug crimes lawyer from Tully & Weiss is here to understand the details of your case and work to leverage key strategies to minimize charges and penalties. Contact us today.

Testimonials

Schedule a
Free Consultation

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.