Los Angeles Opioid Trafficking Defense Lawyers
Opioids
Opioids are a group of medicines that are naturally produced by the opium poplar plant. They are a class of drug that includes morphine, codeine, and many other drugs. They also include illegal drugs such as synthetic opioids like heroin and fentanyl. Opioids are used to treat pain and have been prescribed for decades. However, since the 1990s, a sharp increase in the number of people who illegally use opioids for nonmedical reasons has occurred.
Trafficking Opioids and Associated Penalties
Trafficking occurs when individuals or groups distribute opioids in order to make money off of their illegal sales. They may also be selling other drugs as well as opioids.
As a felony drug offense, accusations of opioid possession with intent to distribute carry substantial repercussions.
The variations between Schedule I and Schedule II opioids might be significant when it comes to the sanctions for drug trafficking or possession.
Schedule II classifies prescription opioid pain relievers like oxycodone and methadone. With a valid prescription, Schedule II medicines are lawful to own and use, but they have a high abuse potential. Synthetic opioid heroin is classified as a Schedule I drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and not recognized medicinal purpose.
According to California law, it is prohibited to carry any controlled substances across county borders with the aim of selling them illegally. Narcotic trafficking accusations could result in several years in prison, significant fines, and other punishments depending on the type of drug and the quantity involved.
According to federal law, unauthorized possession of a controlled narcotic carries a minimum $1,000 fine and a one-year prison sentence.
Legal Defenses Against Opioid Trafficking
Opioid trafficking is illegal in California. In fact, it’s a felony unless you have a valid prescription from your doctor. You can use a number of legal defenses to protect yourself and get the charges dropped or reduced. Some of the most common include:
- The drug has been prescribed
- The right to privacy has been violated
- The right to due process has been violated
- The right for protection against unreasonable search and seizure has been violated
- Entrapment or enticement has occurred
It is worth noting that the best defense against this charge is to have a skilled Los Angeles drug crime attorney on your side who can help you figure out your options. If you have been charged with opioid trafficking, you should consider speaking with an attorney at Werkman Jackson & Quinn LLP today.
Have Werksman Jackson & Quinn LLP on Your Side
If you have been charged with a crime related to drug trafficking, you need an experienced defense lawyer on your side immediately.
At Werksman Jackson & Quin LLP, we understand that the consequences of a conviction can be devastating and long-lasting, and we work hard to get each of our clients the best possible outcome in their case. We know how to fight for your rights and make sure all avenues are explored in order to achieve an optimal result.
Our attorneys are prepared to handle any situation that arises during the investigation or prosecution of an opioid trafficking case. Whether it's fighting a search warrant or an arrest warrant, we use every tool at our disposal to protect your rights and freedom.
Call us today at (213) 688-0460.
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.
