Drug crimes are some of the most common offenses across Costa Mesa and the city of California. When you are accused of committing a drug-related offense, the consequences of a conviction could be harsh.
Whether this is your first offense or you have prior convictions on your record, defending yourself is critical if you hope to protect your future. Reach out to an experienced Costa Mesa drug crimes attorney for help presenting a powerful defense. Contact our office for a confidential consultation today and learn more about which defenses could be most suitable for your case.
How Are Controlled Substances Classified in CA?
The Controlled Substances Act determines how the schedules of controlled substances are based in the state of California. There are five different schedules of controlled substances. The controlled substance in question will fall into its designated category based on:
- How likely it is that the drug will be abused
- How likely it is that the drug will cause users to become addicted
- Whether the drug is accepted for use within the medical community
If a drug has a low propensity for abuse and is widely accepted for use within the medical community, it will be classified as a Schedule IV or V drug, such as:
- Xanax
- Ativan
- Low Mattel
- Phentermine
- Robitussin
- Ambien
- Valium
Drugs that have a higher propensity for abuse and addiction, and have little to no accepted use within the medical community may be classified as Schedule lll, ll, and l drugs. Some examples of controlled substances that may fall into these categories include:
- Ketamine
- Testosterone
- Muresan
- Sentinel
- Hydrocodone
- Oxy Cotton
- Oxycodone
- Methadone
- Vicodin
- Opium
- Adderall
- Heroin
- PCP
- Peyote
- LSD
It should be noted that under federal law, marijuana is still considered a Schedule l drug. However, due to the medical community increasing use of marijuana products over the years, it is becoming more and more likely that federal law could be changed to re-classify this controlled substance.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crimes lawyer serving Costa Mesa, call (310) 896-2723
Types of Drug Crimes in Costa Mesa
There are multiple types of drug-related crimes you could be charged with in Costa Mesa. The type of crime you are charged with will determine which penalties you will face. Some of the different types of drug crimes you could be arrested for include:
- Drug possession – under California Health & Safety Code §11351, drug possession is typically a felony offense.
- Drug manufacturing – Drug manufacturing is illegal under California Health & Safety Code §11379.6, and is often charged at the felony level.
- Drug sale and distribution – Drug sale and distribution is illegal according to California Health & Safety Code §11352.
- Possession of prescription drugs without a prescription – The California Health & Safety Code makes it illegal for someone to be in possession of a controlled substance if they do not have a prescription from a physician.
- Drug DUI – Under California Vehicle Code §23152, you can be charged with a DUI if you are under the influence of a controlled substance while operating a motor vehicle.
Costa Mesa Drug Crimes Lawyer Near Me (310) 896-2723
Penalties for a Costa Mesa Drug Crime Conviction
Drug offenses carry harsh penalties under California law. The type of drug crime you are facing will determine the penalties you are facing. For example, if you were charged with possession of drugs under California Health & Safety Code §11350, you could spend up to three years in prison and be ordered to pay thousands of dollars in fines.
If you were found guilty of the sale or transportation of a controlled substance under California Health & Safety Code §11352, you could be fined up to $20,000 and spend as much as five years in prison. If you were convicted of possession of a controlled substance with the intent to sell under California Health & Safety Code §11351, you could face up to four years in prison and $20,000 in fines.
With penalties this severe, it has never been more important to defend yourself against the drug crime allegations against you. Your Costa Mesa criminal defense foyer can help you understand the severity of your charges and prepare the strongest defense possible under the law.
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How to Protect Your Future When Charged with a Drug Crime in Costa Mesa
If you are hoping to avoid the devastating consequences of a drug crime conviction, it is important to get an experienced criminal defense attorney on your side. Working with a public defender means your case will not get the time or attention to detail it needs or deserves. With a private criminal defense lawyer on your side, you will have access to the resources you need to dodge a guilty verdict.
Your lawyer will analyze the circumstances of your case to determine whether a plea agreement, pretrial diversion program, or powerful defense strategy is most likely to produce a favorable outcome. Drug crimes are often considered non-violent offenses, so if you are a first-time offender, you may be eligible for a pretrial diversion program. You could be ordered to abide by a curfew, find a job, keep your job, pass random drug tests, and obtain drug or alcohol treatment as part of your pretrial diversion program.
Once you meet the terms of your program, the charges against you could be reduced or dismissed altogether. If you are not eligible for one of these alternative programs, or if the prosecutor is not willing to work out a plea agreement, your lawyer will work to determine which defense is most likely to result in an acquittal. Since the burden of proof Is beyond a reasonable doubt, your drug crimes attorney in Costa Mesa will be tasked with introducing evidence that casts reasonable doubt in the minds of the judge and jury.
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Reach Out to a Costa Mesa Drug Crimes Lawyer Today
If you hope to avoid being sent to prison or dealing with other criminal penalties and collateral consequences of a drug crime conviction, it is critical that you clear your name of the charges against you.
Fight for the outcome you are hoping for with help from a dedicated drug crimes lawyer in Costa Mesa. Schedule your confidential case evaluation and learn more about what your next steps should be throughout the criminal defense process.
Call or text (310) 896-2723 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form