Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer

Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Beverly Hills – Free Strategy Session

Facing drug challenges in Los Angeles can be exceptionally stressful and typically comes with high stakes in terms of potential legal consequences. Besides the penalties, such cases usually have a profound impact on the criminal record, so securing the best outcome possible is crucial.

If you or someone you love is dealing with such a case, don’t waste any time and contact My Rights Law’s experienced drug crime lawyer in Los Angeles. We are trained and experienced in providing the defense and courtroom representation you need, ensuring the charges against you are reduced or even dropped.

Criminal Defense Representation for Drug Crimes in Los Angeles

California drug laws come with certain complexities, meaning an experienced lawyer is a must. Whether you are accused of possession with intent or drug trafficking, the proper legal representation can often make the difference between a severe conviction and a favorable decision.

While preparing the case, our Los Angeles drug crime attorneys ensure to understand all the details of your arrest, assess the type of drug involved, and explore all the applicable defense strategies. During this step, we look for useful details, like improper detainment, inconsistencies in the paperwork and processes, possible violations by law enforcement, and other factors that can be used later on during the negotiations and the court.

When it comes to courtroom representation, we apply aggressive defense approaches, ensuring to protect your best interests. We question every testimony or piece of evidence, making sure the judge and the jury will be most favorable to you. 

Our criminal defense team is experienced in crafting effective strategies tailored to our client’s unique cases. We handle cases involving:

  • Federal drug trafficking laws
  • Intricate cases of possession with intent
  • Complex drug paraphernalia offenses
  • Marijuana and prescription drug crimes

With My Rights Law, you can expect our unwavering commitment, established expertise, and aggressive protection of your rights.

Know Your Rights After a Drug-Related Arrest in Los Angeles

Although these allegations are serious, California law protects those accused of drug crimes. While exercising these rights properly requires the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney, there are a few crucial points to remember during the detention:

  1. Right to Remain Silent: Avoid saying anything not to incriminate yourself even before the case is officially open. Limit your communication with law enforcement until your lawyer is present.
  2. Unlawful Search and Seizure: If evidence was obtained through an unlawful search and seizure, it might be inadmissible in court. Our attorneys will investigate this as part of your defense.
  3. Right to Legal Representation: Remember that you have a right to a criminal defense lawyer straight away. Contact us as soon as you have been detained, and let us take over the case, starting to build your defense and securing the best outcome for you.

Common Los Angeles Drug Offenses That We Handle

There are a number of common drug-related offenses that take place in Los Angeles. We handle all of them, defending our clients and tailoring our defense strategy to each specific case.

Marijuana Crimes

By and large, marijuana is considered legal in California, although certain activities connected remain illegal. These include:

  • Possession with intent to sell.
  • Transporting large quantities.
  • Unlicensed sales.
  • Growing more than 6 cannabis plants.
  • Distributing marijuana across state lines.
  • Consuming marijuana as a minor or involving minors in marijuana consumption.
  • Driving after consuming marijuana.

Regardless of the marijuana-related crime you are being charged with, we provide detailed consultation and thorough representation, fighting for your rights even in the most complex cases.

Possession of Controlled Substances

Possession charges are among the most common California drug-related crimes. The penalty and the severity here often depend on the type of drug and the quantity of the drug. In addition to that, the prosecution will examine whether you are being charged with simple possession for personal use or possession with intent to sell, which is typically more serious. These are the most common substances that are prohibited to possess and that can cause a sentence:

  • Heroin
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Fentanyl
  • Oxycodone (OxyContin)
  • Hydrocodone
  • MDMA (Ecstasy, Molly)
  • PCP (Phencyclidine)
  • LSD (Lysergic Acid Diethylamide)
  • prescription drugs with the potential to abuse (e.g., morphine, Adderall, ketamine, Xanax, etc)

Besides just possessing these drugs without a valid prescription, it is prohibited to sell, transport, distribute, manufacture, or cultivate them in any way or form.

Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking charges are often the most complex as they involve multiple activities, such as the transportation, distribution, and sale of illegal substances. All of these activities are prosecuted under federal drug trafficking laws and can lead to severe punishments.

Such cases frequently involve a large amount of evidence collected against the defendant, such as surveillance, wiretaps, or even controlled buys by law enforcement. When dealing with such cases, our legal team scrutinizes every piece of the allegation, questioning all the evidence and uncovering weaknesses in the prosecution’s statements. This helps us build a strong and aggressive defense, ensuring your interests are protected.

Manufacturing Drugs

Producing drugs like methamphetamine, LSD, or cocaine is a serious drug offense and often comes with severe outcomes. Manufacturing charges can stem from operating or assisting in the operation of facilities or processes used to create controlled substances. These cases often include allegations of hazardous waste violations or endangering public safety. We conduct thorough investigations to challenge the validity of the charges and protect your rights.

Prescription Drug Offenses

In certain cases, prescription drug misuse can be prosecuted in Los Angeles, California. Most charges are given out for obtaining prescriptions through fraud or deceit, doctor shopping, or distributing medications like oxycodone, fentanyl, or hydrocodone without proper authorization.

Such cases are frequently associated with highly technical evidence like fraud-proof, and our attorneys have the expertise and experience necessary to handle the complexities of these situations.

Potential Penalties for Drug Crimes in Los Angeles

Depending on the type of drug, its amount, and the specifics of the charge, you can expect various penalties, most of which include fines, imprisonment, and diversion programs. Prior criminal history and your intent for those drugs can be among the factors determining the punishments as well. Here are the most common penalties for each crime:

1. Possession: In California, possession of a controlled substance for personal use is generally charged as a misdemeanor. Penalties include:

  • Fines: Up to $1,000
  • Jail Time: Up to 1 year in county jail
  • Diversion Programs: Eligible offenders may avoid jail time by completing a court-approved drug treatment program.
  • For marijuana: Possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana or more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis is a misdemeanor punishable by up to $500 or fines or up to 6 months of jail time.

2. Possession to Sell: Possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances is a more serious offense under HSC §11351. Penalties can include:

  • Felony Charges: Most cases are charged as felonies.
  • Prison Time: 2 to 4 years in state prison
  • Fines: Up to $20,000

Proof of intent to sell may include possession of large quantities, packaging materials, scales, or cash.

3. Drug Trafficking and Distribution: Selling, transporting, or distributing controlled substances can lead to:

  • Prison Time: 3 to 9 years, depending on the quantity and type of drug
  • Enhanced Sentences: Additional penalties for trafficking across state lines or involving large quantities
  • Fines: Up to $50,000 or more depending on the case

Interstate or international trafficking may result in much harsher sentences (asset forfeiture, 5 years to life imprisonment, fines of over $10 million per offense)

4. Drug manufacturing (e.g., producing methamphetamine or growing over 6 plants of cannabis) is a severe crime and can result in:

  • Felony Charges
  • Prison Time: 3 to 7 years
  • Fines: Up to $50,000

Endangering others in the manufacturing process may lead to additional penalties

5. Prescription Drug Fraud: Obtaining prescription medications unlawfully (e.g., forging prescriptions or “doctor shopping”) is prohibited under HSC §11173. Penalties may include:

  • Misdemeanor or Felony Charges: Depending on the circumstances
  • Jail Time: Up to 3 years
  • Fines: Up to $10,000

How Can a Drug Crime Lawyer Help You?

While facing a drug-related offense is overwhelming, having an experienced Los Angeles drug crime lawyer in Los Angeles can be your main weapon. Here are just a few ways we can help:

  1. Case Evaluation: We start with reviewing all the evidence against you and assessing the circumstances around the arrest. At this stage, we typically find the first inconsistencies and weaknesses in the procession, helping us build a more solid defense strategy.
  2. Challenging Evidence: If there was an unlawful search and seizure or other procedural error, we seek to have the evidence suppressed.
  3. Preparing a Defense Strategy: When preparing your defense strategy, we make it tailored to your specific case.
  4. Pre-Filing Negotiations: If possible, we use all the weaknesses in the prosecution to negotiate the case with them before the hearing. If possible, we achieve reduced or even dropped charges.
  5. Aggressive Courtroom Representation: Once in the courtroom, we do everything to protect your rights. From questioning the evidence to cross examining the testimonies – we make your position as strong as possible.
  6. Drug Diversion Programs: For eligible offenders, we may be able to secure alternative sentencing options, such as a drug diversion program.
  7. Legal Support: From start to finish, we’ll guide you through the complexities of the criminal law system and fight for the best possible outcome.

Contact Our Los Angeles Drug Crimes Attorney

No need to wait for your allegations to solve themselves! If you are facing drug charges in Los Angeles, call My Rights Law now at (213) 577-1988 or fill out the secure form on this page to schedule a free consultation with our skilled Los Angeles drug crime attorney. We are here to help you understand your options and provide the best legal defense possible!

Ready to speak with a Los Angeles drug crime lawyer? Contact us now at (213) 577-1988 or contact us online.