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Riverside Drug Charges Lawyer

Drug crimes are among some of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in both California and in federal courts. The penalties for these crimes range from probation and a fine to many years in prison, depending on the charge and your ability to defend it. An experienced drug charges lawyer is an important part of your legal defense, providing knowledge and experience that is focused on protecting your rights and preventing the most severe consequences.

 

Facing Drug Charges in Riverside?

Drug charges in California vary in severity according to the “schedule” of drugs involved in the alleged crime. A drug’s “schedule” refers to its risk of dependency, with Schedule I offenses being considered the most severe.

  • Schedule I substances are those that do have any medical benefit and carry a high risk of dependency, such as heroin or ecstasy. Marijuana is also considered a
  • Schedule I drug according to the federal Controlled Substances Act, in spite of being permitted for medical and recreational use in California.
  • Schedule II drugs also have a high potential of dependency, while not being considered as likely to promote dependence as Schedule I drugs are also considered a risk for dependency. Examples of Schedule II substances include cocaine or methamphetamine.
  • Schedule III drugs pose a moderate to low risk of dependency and include substances such as anabolic steroids, testosterone, or ketamine.
  • Schedule IV drugs have a low risk of dependency. Examples include Xanax, Ambien, or Valium.
  • Schedule V drugs bear the lowest risk of dependency and include substances such as Lyrica or Robitussin.

 

Top-Rated Riverside Drug Charges Lawyer

California Drug Laws

California has a number of laws pertaining to the sale and possession of illegal drugs, and there are many potential charges that can come into play during this type of case. Here is a look at some drug charges that defendants in California courts commonly face:

  • Drug possession. This is often considered a low-level crime if the quantity of drugs possessed was relatively small. However, larger amounts or possession of one of the more dangerous types of drugs can result in a felony.
  • Drug possession with the intent to sell. This is generally a felony charge that can result in incarceration if the prosecution is able to prove that the drug was obtained for the purpose of selling to others and not for personal use.
  • Manufacturing a controlled substance. California law deems the unauthorized manufacturing of any type of intoxicating substance to be illegal, and the individual can also be charged with the unlawful use of a building.
  • Drug trafficking. This refers to the acts of transporting, importing, selling, furnishing, administering, or giving away drugs across state lines. Drug trafficking penalties are generally quite severe.

Possible Penalties for Drug Crimes in Riverside

The penalties for drug crimes in Riverside not only vary based on the schedule of the drug involved, but also other factors such as the amount of drug involved and the previous criminal history of the defendant. Those who have been convicted of drug crimes before can expect more severe consequences for a second or subsequent drug conviction. Some possible penalties include:

  • Possession: Depending on the drug and the amount you possessed, it can result in up to 6 months in jail and a $500 fine.
  • Possession with the Intent to Distribute: Up to 3 years incarceration if it can be proven that you intended to distribute.
  • Using a Minor in the Unlawful Sale or Transport of Marijuana can potentially result in 3-7 years incarceration.
  • Sale or Delivery of an Illegal Drug: Up to 7 years in prison upon conviction.
  • Chemical Manufacture of Hash or Concentrates: The most severe penalties resulting from this charge involve larger-scale operations and can result in 3-7 years incarceration and a fine of up to $50,000.

Do note that this is just a small list of possible penalties for Riverside drug crimes. In reality, there are many possible charges, and a number of factors that impact the severity of the consequences received upon conviction.

Don’t let one wrong decision impact your life, job or freedom.

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When Do I Need to Call a Riverside Drug Crimes Lawyer

Often, people do not believe that they need a lawyer if they are only facing a misdemeanor charge. Unfortunately, this is not true. Even misdemeanors can result in fines, jail time, and some can appear on your permanent record. Hiring a lawyer as soon as you have been arrested on suspicion of a Riverside drug crime because it allows your attorney the best opportunity to:

  • Protect your rights during the investigative process, ensuring that the officers who are investigating you are following established policies and procedures that pertain to questioning you, gathering evidence, and in respect of the civil rights granted to you by Federal laws.
  • Investigate the accusations against you and determine the best defense.
  • Help lessen the severity of the penalties you face by negotiating a plea bargain with the prosecutor. A plea bargain involves an agreement where you plead guilty to a lesser crime or agree to plead guilty to the crime you’re accused of without a trial in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Riverside Drug Charges Lawyer Near You

If you have been accused of a drug crime, our experienced Riverside drug charges lawyer can help you understand your options. Contact us for a consultation to learn more about the services we can provide to assist with your legal defense.

 

Our Process

I’VE BEEN CHARGED. WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

  • Arrest
    01

    Arrest

    The accused is taken into custody. Police will ask basic discovery questions like name and address to identify a person, then pivot to more specific questions related to the incident.

  • Reading Your
    Rights
    02

    Reading Your
    Rights

    You have the right to remain silent to avoid disclosing evidence that could potentially be self-incriminating, as well as the right to an attorney to defend you in court.

  • Booking
    03

    Booking

    The police will take you in for booking — Police will fingerprint you and get and updated photograph for their records. After, you’ll be given a chance to contact your criminal defense lawyer.

  • Arraignment
    04

    Arraignment

    The arraignment is the final date for you to decide how you’re going to plea. If you plead guilty, the case is set for a sentencing date. If you plead not guilty, your attorney will prepare for trial.

  • Discovery
    05

    Discovery

    In the discovery stage, you’ll get to see exactly what evidence the prosecution has against you. This is when your attorney can make additional requests for evidence if need be and strengthen your defense.

  • Plea Bargaining
    06

    Plea Bargaining

    Accepting the plea bargain is the last chance to plead guilty before the trial. Reduced charges may be presented to quickly settle the case and avoid trial.

  • Trial
    07

    Trial

    The prosecutor presents the case to the jury. Any evidence or witness statements are shared at at this time. Afterward, it’s your lawyers turn to take the stands and share your side of the story. The jury will make a final verdict.

  • Sentencing
    08

    Sentencing

    At sentencing, the Judge must decide the appropriate legal penalty for the crime you were found guilty of. Decisions are based on the advised penalties for the specific charges in question.

Possible Penalties For A Criminal Conviction

Jail or Prison Time

Substantial Fines

Lengthy Probation

License Suspension

Mandatory Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of drug crimes in California?

Some of the types of drug crimes in California include:

  • Drug Possession (possession of drugs for personal use)
  • Drug Possession with the Intent to Sell
  • Drug Trafficking
  • Driving while Under the Influence of Drugs
  • Manufacturing a Controlled Substance

Do drug charges ruin your life?

Drug charges can make your life a lot more difficult, with impacts that include:

  • Financial impacts from the imposition of fines, fees, and insurance.
  • Certain drug crimes can result in lengthy incarceration.
  • Drug charges that are felonies, in addition to some misdemeanors, can appear on your criminal history record, impacting your ability to access services such as housing and obtain employment in industries that require a criminal history background check.
  • If you are convicted of a felony or found to be addicted to the use of any narcotic drug, you will be prohibited from purchasing or possessing firearms.
  • Depending on your legal status, it may make you deportable or excludable, and it may affect any future attempts of naturalization pursuant to the laws of the United States.

How serious are drug charges in California?

The officials of California take drug charges very seriously, making them the most common reason for prosecution in state and federal courts. If convicted of felony charges, you can face heavy fines, incarceration, difficulty obtaining services and employment in the future, and a loss of other freedoms.

 

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