Drug Charges Can Greatly Impact Your Life
California’s drug laws carry heavy penalties that can wreck the life you have built for yourself and your family. Drug convictions can:
- Stay on your permanent criminal record
- Prevent you from renting a house or an apartment
- Keep you from being hired for a job you want
- Stop you from qualifying for college acceptance or valuable scholarships
Attorney Philip A. Schnayerson understands state and federal drug laws. He can guide you through the justice system and fight for your rights.
Help For All Types Of Drug-Related Crimes
Many federal and state laws are related to the use, manufacture or sale of drugs. Our lawyer knows the state and federal courts in California well. We regularly defend clients facing drug charges such as:
- Driving under the influence of drugs (DUID)
- Vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
- Possession of drugs such as methamphetamine and heroin
- Possession with intent to sell various types of drugs
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Illegal possession of prescription drugs, such as Xanax and Ambien
- Selling drugs to minors or hiring minors under the age of 21 to sell or distribute drugs
- Possession of more than 28 grams of marijuana or illegal cultivation of marijuana plants
Defense Against Drug Trafficking Charges
Drug trafficking is a situation in which quantities of controlled substances (in excess of what would be considered for personal use) are transported across state lines or across national borders. Controlled substances include any illicit drug or narcotic or any legally prescribed medication. While these cases can be charged in state or federal court, it is important to note that the consequences for a conviction on drug trafficking are severe. If convicted, you may be facing years in jail and thousands, if not millions, of dollars in monetary fines. The severity of the consequences depends on what type of drug was trafficked and the amount of the drug in question.
How Can We Help If You Face Drug Charges?
If you are convicted of a drug crime, you could face years in prison, probation, mandatory drug rehabilitation courses and huge fines. Mr. Schnayerson has over 30 years of criminal law experience to find flaws in the state’s case against you and challenge any mistakes made by the police. He is also a skilled negotiator who can help limit the length of your sentence or the impact of other penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drug Charges
Clients throughout the Bay Area often have urgent questions about drug charge consequences and defense strategies during this challenging time.
What should I do first if arrested for a drug charge in California?
If you are arrested on drug charges, exercise your right to remain silent immediately and avoid making any statements to law enforcement without legal representation present. Do not consent to any searches of your person, vehicle or property, as anything discovered can be used as evidence against you. Contact a Hayward drug crime attorney as quickly as possible to protect your constitutional rights and begin building your defense strategy.
An experienced criminal defense attorney can review the circumstances of your arrest, examine police procedures for potential violations and identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.
What are the differences between drug possession and drug possession with intent to distribute?
Drug possession typically involves smaller quantities of controlled substances intended for personal use, while possession with intent to distribute involves larger amounts that suggest commercial activity. Prosecutors consider factors such as the quantity of drugs, packaging materials, scales, large amounts of cash and communication devices when determining intent to distribute charges.
Possession charges generally carry lighter penalties, including probation, fines and mandatory drug treatment programs. However, possession with intent to distribute is a more serious offense that can result in years of imprisonment and substantial monetary fines. The specific penalties depend on the type and amount of drugs involved, your criminal history and whether the case is prosecuted in state or federal court.
Are California state drug charges different from federal drug charges?
Yes, California state and federal drug charges carry different penalties and are prosecuted in separate court systems. State charges typically involve smaller quantities of drugs or local distribution activities, while federal charges often involve drug trafficking across state lines, large-scale operations or cases involving federal agencies.
Federal drug convictions generally result in harsher sentences with mandatory minimum penalties and limited parole options. Federal cases also have different sentencing guidelines and may involve charges under the Controlled Substances Act.
Contact Us Today For A Free Consultation
Our attorney works with clients from across the Bay Area from our offices in Hayward. Call Philip A. Schnayerson, Criminal Defense Attorney, at 510-617-0596 for a free consultation. You may also contact us through our online form.