Tehama County Drug Crimes Lawyer

Do I Need a Tehama County Drug Crimes Lawyer?

If you’ve been charged with drug possession in California, whether you are facing simple possession charges or possession with the intent to sell, there is a very good chance that you will face jail time, fines, and a criminal record. Once you have a criminal record, you will face a laundry list of complications, including difficulty finding employment, being prohibited from securing certain loans or living in certain areas, and more. Rather obviously, you cannot afford to proceed without the assistance of a knowledgeable California criminal defense lawyer who is equipped to defend you from the various potential pitfalls of obtaining a criminal record. You have just found that lawyer in Attorney Cohen of Cohen Criminal Law.

Our firm handles a wide array of drug crimes, including:

• Possession
• Possession for Sale
• Distribution
• Transportation
• Sales
• Manufacturing

Simple Possession Charges Vs. Possession With the Intent to Sell

Here in California, there are two types of possession charges that you may face: simple possession charges and charges of possession with the intent to sell. Simple possession charges are when someone is caught with a relatively small amount of an illegal drug, and possession with the intent to sell is when law enforcement believes that an individual is planning on selling or distributing an illegal drug to others, usually on the basis of having larger quantities of the drug. As you can imagine, the penalties for possession with the intent to sell are even more damaging than simple possession charges, and are generally considered felonies. That being said, regardless of the circumstances surrounding your charges, our California criminal defense lawyer is here to help.

What is Drug Distribution?

The definition of drug distribution includes the illegal sale and transport of any of the drugs listed in the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Possession for sale is a related crime. You can also get a distribution charge if the substances the police find in your possession are not listed on any of the schedules of the Controlled Substances Act but are ingredients used in the manufacture of methamphetamine or phencyclidine (PCP).

The law treats drug distribution as a more serious crime than simple possession because, by distributing illegal drugs, the defendant is increasing the risk that someone else will suffer the effects of drug abuse, including overdose or addiction. Prosecutors often try to play on jurors’ fears about dangerous drug dealers intentionally preying on vulnerable people. This is just another reason that you need a skilled defense lawyer to help you fight your drug distribution charges.

What are the Consequences of Drug Distribution?

Drug distribution is a felony, punishable by probation or a prison sentence. The length of the prison sentence, if any, has to do with the circumstances of the crime. Drug distribution in a place where children are present or a place frequented by children gets even harsher punishments than other places. For example, the sentence will be longer if the defendant manufactured or sold drugs near a school or playground. Likewise, whether or not you have previous convictions on your record affects the length of your sentence. The maximum sentence for distribution of precursor chemicals to methamphetamine or PCP is 16 months to six years in prison.

Proposition 47 in California

Essentially, Proposition 47 made it so that individuals can no longer face felony penalties for the simple possession of controlled substances in the state of California. Once Proposition 47 was passed in 2014, individuals may now only face misdemeanor charges for the possession of various controlled substances. These crimes are generally punishable by up to one year in county jail and a fine. The following drugs are all classified as controlled substances:

• Opiates and all Opium Derivatives, i.e. Heroin
• Cocaine
• Synthetic Cannabis
• Hallucinogens, i.e. Mushrooms and LSD
• Methamphetamine
• Certain Prescription Drugs i.e., Hydrocodone, Valium, Xanax

Marijuana Possession Charges

While the recreational use and sale of marijuana has been legalized in the state of California, this is only true to a certain extent. For example, if you are caught in possession of more than 28.5 grams of marijuana, you may go to jail for up to six months and face a potential $500 fine. Additionally, if you are under the age of 18 and you are caught with 28.5 grams of marijuana or less, you will face an infraction and you will have to participate in community service and a mandatory drug education course. If you are caught with eight grams or more of concentrated cannabis, you will most likely face a $500 fine and up to one year in jail. Finally, if you are caught cultivating, or growing, more than six marijuana plants in California, you may face a potential six-month jail sentence and a potential $500 fine.

You should also note, however, that if you are caught selling marijuana, you will face additional penalties. They are as follows:

• Any amount: This is a misdemeanor, which may warrant a six-month jail sentence and a potential $500 fine.
• Selling marijuana as an 18 year old or older to anyone between the ages of 14-17: This is a felony charge that may warrant anywhere between three and five years in jail.
• Selling marijuana as an 18 year old or older to anyone younger than 14: This is a felony that may warrant anywhere between three and seven years in jail.

Common Defenses Used By A Tehama County Drug Crimes Lawyer

Fortunately, with the assistance of a knowledgeable Tehama County drug crimes lawyer on your side, there are a wide variety of potential defenses we may use against your drug possession charges. Some of the most common defenses against drug possession charges are as follows:

• The drugs did not belong to you and that they, in fact, belonged to another person
• The drug was legally prescribed to you
• You were a victim of entrapment
• The arresting officer performed an unlawful search and seizure
• The substance was not an illegal drug
• The drugs were planted on your person or on your property

Of course, the defense strategy we undertake will depend primarily on the specific circumstances of your case, and the aforementioned defenses are just some of the most common defenses against drug possession charges. Regardless of your situation, our firm is ready to help you in any way we can.

Contact Our Tehama County Drug Crimes Lawyer

Attorney Cohen has handled thousands of drug crime cases throughout his 30 years of criminal law practice. Gregg Cohen, former district attorney, understands both the charging decisions made by prosecutors and the defense strategies that can possibly be available in your specific case. Do not make the mistake of trying to go it alone. Contact Cohen Criminal Law today to schedule your free, initial, consultation with our firm so we can begin mounting the best defense possible on your behalf.