More Information:
Testimonials
KLG Reviews
Review of Karen L. Goldstein
Absolute Confidenceby F.B
Review of Karen L. Goldstein
Karen Made A Huge Difference In My Caseby J.D.
Review of Karen L. Goldstein
Luck Was On My Sideby Joe
Review of Karen L. Goldstein
Karen worked wonders for meby Patrick B.
Karen L. Goldstein Reviews
Experienced Drug Possession Attorney
California law makes a very important distinction between drug possession crimes and other drug-related crimes: sales, transportation, cultivation, and manufacturing, for instance. Because drug possession is treated differently than other narcotics and illegal substances crimes, an experienced lawyer knows many strategies for your criminal defense. Furthermore, experienced drug crimes lawyers know that your risks of imprisonment can be significantly reduced if the right approach is used to defend you.
Call 888-445-6313 to discuss your narcotics possession case with experienced Los Angeles defense lawyer. Minimize your risk of harsh penalties and discuss all of your legal options in a free consultation. There are many sentencing alternatives available to county jail or prison time. These alternatives include Deferred Entry of Judgment, (DEJ) Proposition 36, and/or Drug Court.
A Defense Lawyer for Complex and Simple Narcotics Possession Cases
Drug possession is often charged when there is only a small quantity of narcotics found on or under the control of the defendant. To be charged with simple narcotics possession--one of the most common drug charges--no indication of the intent to sell, transport, or cultivate drugs must be present.
Having a small amount of drugs in your pocket, in a backpack, a purse or otherwise under your control may result in a simple possession charge in Los Angeles. This may even be charged if you have a prescription drug without a valid prescription or a small amount of medical marijuana in your possession. The more complex cases occur when a defendant is pulled over with the narcotics in his or her vehicle; in these cases, prosecutors often charge defendants with transportation of drugs. If you are convicted of drug transportation or drug sales, this may result in much more severe penalties. No matter how complex your case may appear, a skilled defense lawyer may be able to minimize your risk of prosecution and help you avoid the most damaging penalties.
Avoid Prison: Sentencing Alternatives for Drug Possession Cases
If you have been charged with drug possession, even as a felony, you may be eligible for alternative sentencing such as Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ), Proposition 36 or Drug Court. Some drug offenses which may qualify for such alternatives include Health & Safety Code §11350, §11357, §11364, §11365, §11377, or §11550 violations. There are many significant benefits if you qualify for such sentencing alternatives. Successful completion of a DEJ or Prop 36 program results in a complete dismissal of the arrest and the drug charges against you. However, to qualify for such alternatives under the law, your case must have particular qualities.
To qualify for DEJ or a drug diversion program in California, the following guidelines must be met:
- no prior convictions for a narcotics offense
- current offense is not charged as a violent crime
- probation or parole has not been revoked in the past without completion
- no other offenses charged in the same case that are non-drug related
- not already completed DEJ or diversion, or been terminated from DEJ or diversion, within 5 years prior
- no felony convictions within 5 years prior
Possible Penalties for Drug Possession in California
While avoiding prosecution is possible and alternatives to jail and prison exist, possession charges in California do carry significant penalties. With the right criminal defense lawyer on your side, you may be able to avoid the brutal penalties:
- state prison or county jail time
- felony on the criminal record
- formal probation period (checking in with a probation officer)
- random drug testing
- CALTRANS or other hard labor program
- court fees and fines
- registration as a narcotics offender with local law enforcement
Drug possession cases carry potentially disastrous consequences for your future. If you or a loved one needs help fighting a drug possession case or has questions regarding eligibility for a drug treatment program, we are available to help. Consult with an experienced drug crimes attorney today at the Law Offices of Karen L. Goldstein.
