Los Angeles Drug Possession Lawyer

Federal and state laws make it a criminal offense to possess cocaine, LSD, heroin, and a number of other drugs. While marijuana laws seem to be rapidly changing in many states, all possession of marijuana is still a federal crime. However, before you can be charged with illegal drug possession, the police must have probable cause to search your home, your car, or your person. Los Angeles drug crimes lawyer, Douglas Miranda has more than a decade of experience protecting the rights of defendants against unconstitutional searches and seizures in a wide variety of criminal cases. If you’re charged with possession of an illegal drug in Los Angeles or anywhere in southern California, call the Los Angeles-based Miranda Rights Law Firm immediately to obtain the legal assistance and advice you are going to need. We represent clients who are facing criminal charges such as:

• simple possession of drugs such as marijuana, crack cocaine, and heroin;
• federal marijuana possession violations;
• conspiracy to distribute;
• possession with intent to sell; and
• illegal possession of prescription drugs.

Whether you’re a first time-offender caught with methamphetamine or have prior convictions and were recently caught with drug paraphernalia and marijuana, a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney can help you face this drug crime, providing sound legal advice and an aggressive and strategic defense to your case.

CALIFORNIA DRUG LAWS

There are a number of different drug laws that you must obey as a resident of California. Some of the most common drug charges brought against people in Los Angeles are possession of controlled substances, possession of methamphetamine and possession of marijuana.

California prohibits the possession of controlled substances. Controlled substances can include narcotics and illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and LSD, but it also includes prescription drugs that are illegally in your possession such as Vicodin, Oxycontin, Valium and Xanax. Possession of a controlled substance is usually a misdemeanor and punishable by up to one year in county jail and a $1,000 fine. In some cases, you may receive a drug diversion program in the place of jail time, although this is never a guarantee.

Possession of a controlled substance may be charged as a felony if you have a prior record of committing felonies or sex crimes. If you are convicted of a felony drug charge, you may face up to three years in county jail.

Possession of methamphetamines is separate from possession of a controlled substance. Methamphetamines include any anabolic steroid, GHB, PCP, ketamine and other stimulants. Simple possession of methamphetamines, which means the drugs that you had were for personal use only, is usually a misdemeanor and may be punished by up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. You may also be eligible for a drug diversion program if this is your first or second offense and the drugs were solely for your own personal use.

However, you could face more severe consequences for simple possession of methamphetamines if you have a prior record that includes a conviction for a sex crime or other felonies such as murder or manslaughter. If this applies to you, you may be charged with a felony instead of a misdemeanor. Felony charges of simple possession of methamphetamines may be punishable by up to three years in jail, but no fine.

Despite what you may think, it is still illegal to possess marijuana in the state of California unless you are permitted to use it medicinally. The penalties that you may face for possession of marijuana vary and may depend on how much you carried, your prior record, whether the marijuana was for your own use or for sale, and where the weed was found.

If you are found in possession of 28.5 grams or less of marijuana, this is an infraction and punishable by a $100 fine. However, the consequences go up from there. If you have more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, it is considered a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to six months in county jail and a $500 fine. Concentrated cannabis possession can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony. If you are convicted of a misdemeanor charge of concentrated cannabis (hashish) possession, you could face up to one year in county jail and a $500 fine. If you are convicted of a felony concentrated cannabis possession, you could face up to three years in jail, but no fine.

The penalties also may differ if you are found in possession of marijuana while you are on school grounds. If you are over the age of 18 and found with marijuana while on school property, you could face up to 10 days in jail if the amount you had in your possession was less than 28.5 grams. Even minors may face time in juvenile detention if they are found with 28.5 grams or less of marijuana while on school grounds.

The drug laws in California are complex and confusing. Do not face drug charges without the help of an experienced Los Angeles drug possession lawyer. Contact our team as soon as possible after you’ve been charged with drug possession.

THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE YOU NEED

Los Angeles drug possession lawyer, Douglas Miranda begins handling your drug possession case by investigating the circumstances of your arrest. If law enforcement officers did not have the necessary probable cause to search your home or vehicle, Douglas Miranda will move to suppress any evidence found during an unconstitutional search. He will compile evidence and examine witnesses on your behalf, and if there’s a weakness in the government’s case against you, he will find and exploit that weakness on your behalf. While there’s never any guarantee in any particular case, Douglas Miranda has the skills and experience you need to bring your drug possession case to its best possible outcome.

DISCUSS YOUR CASE IN A FREE CONSULTATION

If you’ve been charged with possessing illegal drugs, put an experienced Los Angeles drug possession lawyer to work for you. After examining your case, Douglas Miranda will explain your legal options and work to develop the most effective possible defense. At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, we take our responsibility to our clients seriously, and we put our experience to work for you. To schedule a free consultation with an experienced Los Angeles drug possession lawyer, contact us today. Send an email, or call 213-293-1207. Se habla español.