Drug Crimes
The Southern California criminal defense attorneys at the Khashayar Law Group defend people from San Diego to Los Angeles and beyond who have been charged with drug crimes ranging from simple possession of marijuana to possession for sale of controlled substances and other trafficking and distribution crimes.
Serious Crimes
Most drug offenses are felonies, but the penalties for conviction can still vary widely depending upon factors such as the type and amount of drug involved, the type of conduct alleged, the defendant's criminal history, and whether the defendant can provide information that leads to the arrest, prosecution, or conviction of people in the drug trade. Possession of small amounts of marijuana are generally treated as misdemeanors, but the laws can get complicated. For instance, possession of not more than 28.5 grams of marijuana (approximately one ounce) is punishable by a maximum fine of $100, but the penalties can increase significantly depending upon the type of marijuana involved, the defendant's age, and where the offense occurred. Cultivation of Marijuana, and Possession for Sale, are felonies punishable by incarceration in state prison.
Serious Criminal Defense Lawyers
Drug charges are serious matters, which is why you need a serious criminal defense lawyer on your side. Many drug arrests occur when the police witness a drug transaction or search a person and find drugs on their person, their personal effects, or in their car. Searches and seizures are highly problematic issues for prosecutors. While the police are generally very knowledgeable about the law and understand the parameters of a legal search, they are often very zealous about uncovering crime and may go beyond the bounds of what is constitutionally permissible in conducting a search. When evidence of drugs is obtained from an unlawful search, we work to have that evidence suppressed or even have the charges dropped or case against you dismissed.
Even where the police have witnessed a drug transaction, these transactions typically occur at night or in dark or secluded areas, making positive identification difficult. Did the police truly witness an illicit transaction, and did they identify you or mistake you for someone else? These are very real issues that should be explored and presented to the jury where applicable.
Contact our offices in San Diego or Beverly Hills if you have been charged with any of the following:
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession of Marijuana
- Cultivation of Marijuana
- Possession of Marijuana for Sale
- Possession of Controlled Substance
- Possession of Controlled Substance for Sale
Even where a conviction is unavoidable, we may be able to help you secure the best possible outcome, including alternatives to incarceration such as drug treatment programs. We will also work to minimize the impact of any arrest or conviction on your record. If you have been arrested for a drug offense, don't despair, and don't give up without a fight. In Southern California, contact the Khashayar Law Group for a free consultation.
