Los Angeles Drug Crime Defense Lawyers

Strong Legal Defense Against Drug Crime Charges in Los Angeles

Our society looks down on those charged with drug crimes. A drug-related arrest could lose you your friends, your family, your job, and your reputation. A felony drug offense may even lose you the chance to raise your children. There is nothing worse than having what you love taken from you. Thankfully, you do not have to accept the charges laid at your feet. With a skilled Los Angeles drug crime lawyer at your side, you can fight to have your charges lessened or even dropped completely.

As experienced Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyers, we at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP know how to cultivate a strategic and custom-tailored defense for our clients. We know our way around the courtroom and are not afraid to go head-to-head with the prosecution on your behalf. If you are facing drug crime charges, call our firm at (213) 688-0460 today. The prosecution has already started to build their case, so why shouldn’t you?

Understanding the Drug Charges You May Be Facing

While most may assume the only people who get charged with drug crimes are users and sellers, that couldn’t be further from the truth. In California, there are a number of charges related to drug crimes that you could be facing. Knowing these potential charges is incredibly important when it comes to building your defense, as it allows you to dismantle any claims the prosecution may make. Some of the more common drug crime charges include:

• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Use of a controlled substance
• Sale of a controlled substance
• Possession of a controlled substance
• Transportation of a controlled substance
• Transportation with the intent to sell a controlled substance
• Sale of a controlled substance to a minor

Each crime will come with its own set of punishments, as they vary in degrees of seriousness. Some charges will be classified as misdemeanors, while some are automatic felonies. When you are arrested for a drug crime, it is key that you are told exactly what you are being charged with. You should never be left unaware of your alleged crime.

When you call your Los Angeles drug crime defense attorney, tell them your charges right away so that they can begin working on your case immediately. A good defense takes time, and you should aim to give your attorney as much time as possible.

Drug Schedules in California

The term “controlled substance” gets thrown around a lot. You may not even be aware of what a controlled substance is. In the 1970s, our federal government declared a war on drugs. Part of the new legislation passed during this period involved categorizing different drugs into “schedules.” The drugs that made it onto these schedules are considered controlled substances, meaning you are unable to purchase them without a prescription from a medical professional.

The schedules go from one to five, with one being the most restricted substances and five being fairly unlimited. While the federal government does have an official schedule of its own that states can choose to follow, states are also free to modify the schedules in a way that better represents the needs of the people. A prime example of this is marijuana, which is legal in California but considered a controlled substance on the federal level.

Schedule V: These drugs have a very low chance of addiction and are used for medicinal purposes. Examples include Lomotil, Motofen, and Parepectolin.

Schedule IV: Again, these drugs have a fairly low chance of addiction or dependence, although they are slightly more dangerous than Schedule V drugs. Some common Schedule IV drugs include Xanax, Valium, and Ambien.

Schedule III: Schedule III drugs do have a chance of addiction, although it is still considered low enough to not be immediately dangerous, and they do have some medical purposes. Examples are ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.

Schedule II: These drugs are considered highly addictive and potentially dangerous. However, they can still have medical uses and so might be prescribed by a doctor in extreme circumstances. Schedule II drugs you may know include Adderall, Ritalin, oxycodone, and cocaine.

Schedule I: Drugs categorized as Schedule I are considered highly addictive, with dependency development being very likely. Unlike Schedule II drugs, these drugs will not be prescribed at any point and are not considered to have any medical uses. Some common Schedule I drugs are heroin, LSD, meth, and ecstasy.

Drug Crimes and Penalties

The penalties you may face after a drug crime conviction will depend largely on what crime you were charged with as well as what drug was in use, in possession, being transported, or sold. A possession charge of a Schedule V drug will likely be much lighter than a possession charge of a Schedule I drug. Simple possession is also usually a lighter charge than distribution or transportation.

The exact penalties vary from a small fine to a lengthy prison sentence. Your penalties will also depend on if you are charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. There are some drug crimes that are always charged as felonies, such as selling to a minor, but others are “wobblers,” meaning they could be charged as misdemeanors or felonies.

If you are charged with a felony, then you will be facing penalties long after you leave prison. Felons have certain rights stripped of them, even after serving their sentence. With a felony charge, you may not be able to:

• Travel internationally
• Own a firearm
• Vote
• Serve in a jury
• Seek certain kinds of employment
• Visit your child

These penalties are incredibly harsh and not something people wish to experience. If you want to avoid serving time in prison, paying a hefty fine, and being labeled a felon, then you need a top-notch criminal defense attorney. Without proper legal representation, you won’t have the chance to defend yourself against drug charges. Thankfully, our attorneys have years of experience and know just how to build a proper defense.

What To Do When Confronted with Drug Crime Allegations in Los Angeles

When accused of a drug crime, it’s crucial to proceed with caution and employ strategic measures to protect your rights and ensure a fair legal process. First, it’s imperative to exercise the right to remain silent and immediately request the presence of a lawyer. Anything said without legal counsel present could be used against you, so refraining from speaking to law enforcement is essential to avoid self-incrimination.

Simultaneously, gathering information becomes paramount. Documenting the circumstances surrounding the arrest can provide valuable insights for your defense. This includes noting the actions of law enforcement, the presence of any witnesses, and any potential violations of your rights during the arrest process.

Furthermore, identifying witnesses and obtaining their contact information can be instrumental in corroborating your version of events and bolstering your defense. Witness testimony can offer crucial perspectives and evidence that may support your innocence or cast doubt on the prosecution’s case.

By following these steps, individuals accused of drug crimes can better navigate legal proceedings, protect their rights, and work towards securing a favorable outcome with the assistance of legal representation.

Know Your Legal Rights

When accused of a crime, individuals are entitled to several fundamental legal rights crucial for ensuring a fair legal process. The Miranda rights are based on the Supreme Court case Miranda v. Arizona. These rights guarantee that anyone who is arrested or in custody must be informed of their right to remain silent and their right to legal representation. This is significant because it ensures that people are aware of their constitutional protection against self-incrimination and have the chance to seek legal counsel, which is essential in protecting their interests during questioning and legal proceedings.

Moreover, the right to legal representation is fundamental to the adversarial system of justice. Defendants have the right to have an attorney present at all critical stages of the legal process, from police questioning to trial proceedings. Legal representation serves to protect the accused’s rights, provide guidance, and mount a robust defense strategy.

Additionally, the right to a fair trial is enshrined in the Constitution, guaranteeing that defendants are afforded due process and impartial proceedings. This includes the right to be tried by a jury of one’s peers, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to present evidence in one’s defense. These rights collectively ensure that individuals accused of crimes are afforded fair and just treatment under the law, essential principles in upholding the integrity of the legal system.

Legal Defenses Against Drug Crime Allegations

In cases involving drug charges in Los Angeles, several effective legal defense strategies can be pursued to protect the rights of the accused and challenge the prosecution’s case:

1. Lack of evidence: If the prosecution fails to present sufficient evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, arguing for lack of evidence can result in acquittal. This involves scrutinizing the prosecution’s evidence, witnesses, and arguments to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies that cast doubt on the case’s validity.
2. Fourth Amendment violations: Challenging the legality of law enforcement actions under the Fourth Amendment is a powerful defense strategy. If it’s proven that authorities conducted an unlawful search or seizure without probable cause, this can result in the suppression of any evidence obtained through such means. By contesting the validity of the search and seizure, including scrutinizing the legitimacy of search warrants and identifying any violations of established protocols, it becomes possible to render the evidence inadmissible in court.
3. Miranda rights violations: Failure by law enforcement to adequately inform the defendant of their Miranda rights during interrogation can lead to the exclusion of any statements made in court. By challenging the admissibility of such statements, particularly those acquired through coercion, duress, or without the requisite Miranda warnings, it is possible to weaken the prosecution’s case.
4. Entrapment: Contending that the defendant was manipulated or coerced by law enforcement into committing the crime, actions they wouldn’t have undertaken otherwise, can constitute a viable defense against drug charges. By illustrating how law enforcement’s actions induced or persuaded the defendant to participate in the unlawful conduct, thus establishing a case of entrapment, it becomes possible to seek dismissal or acquittal of the charges.

Have You Been Accused of a Drug Crime in Los Angeles?

Being convicted of a drug crime in Los Angeles can have lasting consequences on your life, especially if you are convicted as a felon. We at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP understand how frightening that reality can be, which is why we fight for our clients’ right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

If you or a loved one are facing drug crime charges, you need a skilled Los Angeles criminal defense attorney to have your back. Call our firm at (213) 688-0460 and get the help you need.

Additional Information

• The Connection Between Drug Crimes and Mental Health
• Illegal Search and Seizure: Challenging Drug Crime Charges
• How Drug Quantities Affect Your Charges
• Synthetic Cannabis: Still a Schedule I Drug