Los Angeles Drug-Free Zone Violation Attorneys
Have you Been Accused of a Crime in a Drug-Free Zone in Los Angeles?
Drug-free zone violations are serious offenses that can result in severe penalties, especially in Los Angeles. If you’re facing charges related to a drug-free zone violation, hiring a skilled Los Angeles drug crime defense attorney is crucial to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, we have the experience and dedication needed to represent you in these complex cases. Contact us today at (213) 688-0460 for a free consultation.
Understanding Drug-Free Zones
Drug-free zones are designated areas where drug-related activities are strictly prohibited to ensure the safety and well-being of the community. These zones typically include schools, parks, playgrounds, and other public spaces frequented by children and families. The main purpose of drug-free zones is to deter drug dealers and users from engaging in illegal activities in these sensitive areas, thereby protecting vulnerable populations from exposure to drugs and drug-related crimes.
Common Violations and Consequences
Some common drug offenses that can lead to drug-free zone violations include possession, sale, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances within the designated area. In California, drug-free zone violations often result in enhanced penalties, such as increased fines, longer jail or prison sentences, mandatory drug treatment programs, and even permanent loss of certain rights and privileges.
For instance, if you’re convicted of selling drugs within 1,000 feet of a school, the penalties could be doubled compared to a similar offense committed outside of a drug-free zone. Therefore, having an experienced criminal defense lawyer on your side is essential to navigate the complexities of the Los Angeles legal system and advocate for your best interests.
Evaluating the Prosecution’s Case
The team at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP will thoroughly review the evidence against you, including police reports, witness statements, and any surveillance footage. We will also analyze the legality of the search and seizure that led to your arrest, as well as the accuracy of any drug testing conducted.
By scrutinizing every detail of the prosecution’s case, we will develop a comprehensive defense strategy tailored to your unique situation. This may involve challenging the accuracy of drug tests, questioning the credibility of witnesses, or arguing that you were not within the designated drug-free zone at the time of the alleged offense. The process of challenging enhancements involves reviewing the specific circumstances of your case, determining whether the drug-free zone was properly identified, and assessing the validity of the evidence against you.
Law enforcement officers must follow strict procedures when conducting searches and seizures, and any violation of your Fourth Amendment rights could lead to the suppression of critical evidence.
Negotiating Plea Agreements
One potential strategy for resolving a drug-free zone violation case is negotiating a plea agreement. This may involve reducing the charges or penalties associated with your case. During plea negotiations, our attorneys will thoroughly analyze the evidence against you and identify any weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. We will then leverage these weaknesses to negotiate a reduction in charges or penalties, potentially saving you from the harsh consequences of a drug-free zone violation conviction.
Building a Strong Defense
Developing a tailored defense strategy is crucial in fighting drug-free zone violation charges. At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our attorneys will work closely with you to understand the unique circumstances of your case and build a strong defense. This may involve gathering evidence to challenge the prosecution’s claims, such as questioning the validity of the drug-free zone designation or disputing the location of the alleged offense. By building a strong defense, we can better protect your rights and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome.
Expert Witnesses and Evidence
Expert witnesses can play a critical role in challenging the prosecution’s evidence in Los Angeles drug-free zone violation cases. Our legal team at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP has access to a network of expert witnesses who can provide valuable testimony in support of your defense.
These experts may include chemists, toxicologists, or other professionals who can analyze drug evidence and provide an independent assessment of its validity. By presenting expert testimony, we can cast doubt on the prosecution’s claims and strengthen your defense.
Mitigating Factors and Alternative Sentencing
In some drug-free zone violation cases, presenting mitigating factors and pursuing alternative sentencing options can lead to a more favorable outcome. Mitigating factors may include your lack of a criminal record, the absence of violence in the alleged offense, or your willingness to seek treatment for substance abuse issues. These alternatives can allow you to avoid the severe consequences of a conviction and focus on rehabilitation.
You Need an Experienced Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer on Your Side
At Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, our Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers will aggressively defend your rights and ensure that any evidence obtained illegally is excluded from your case. By holding law enforcement accountable and advocating for your constitutional rights, we can help level the playing field and give you the best chance at a favorable outcome.
Trust the experienced team at Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP, and call us at (213) 688-0460 to get started on your defense.
Contact Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP Today
Phone: (213) 688-0460 
Fax: (213) 624-1942
Recent Case Results
- Complete Dismissal of Molestation Charges
Attorney Mark Werksman’s 29 year old client was falsely accused of molesting two neighborhood children and was subsequently charged with felony child molestation, with a significant prison sentence hanging over his head should he be convicted. Instead, at the preliminary hearing Werksman was able to convince the court to grant his client a complete dismissal of any charges. - Decision Set Aside
Client, a college student in a faulty Title IX case, was awarded $130,000 in attorney fees. - Probation with No Jail Time for Drug Money Laundering Charge
Wilmington man accused in New York federal court of laundering drug money through the sale of laptop computers. Mark was able to get the case transferred to federal court in Los Angeles, where he convinced the United States Attorney to reduce the charges. His client was sentenced to probation with no jail time on a misdemeanor conviction.
