Serious California Penalties For Possession And Possession With Intent To Sell

The seriousness of the charge depends on many factors, especially the amount of drugs that were found and the type of drug involved. Schedule I substances, such as cocaine and heroin, are subject to more severe penalties as there is, at present, no medical use found for them, and they lead to high rates of abuse. Schedule II substances such as methamphetamine are still considered substances that are prone to lead to addiction and have limited medical use. Schedules III to V have lessening degrees of producing dependence and have increasing medical value. If you have already been convicted of a drug crime, then the type of drug can escalate the penalties involved.

Even marijuana possession charges are serious. While possession of less than an ounce is an infraction with a $100 fine, possessing more than 28.5 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor, entailing as much as 6 months in jails and fines. If the charge involved activity at a public school, it could mean only 10 days in jail and a fine, but it would be a misdemeanor on your record.

Under most circumstances, these drug charges are considered felonies. The penalties for possession of a Schedule I controlled substance includes 2 to 4 years in state prison. A conviction of possession with intent to sell can lead to 3 to 5 years in prison. If you are charged with possessing a Schedule II substance, this can be considered a misdemeanor, entailing one year in prison, or a felony, leading to at least 16 months and up to 3 years’ imprisonment. Having a felony on your personal record is perhaps a more serious consequence than even years in prison and hefty fines. When you apply for a job or a place to live, being a convicted felon can thwart your chances of success. Not only will a prison sentence take away your freedoms, but upon release, your drug charges could haunt you for the rest of your life. You need tenacious defense to help assure that this does not happen to you.

Defending Drug Possession Charges In Fresno

With the defense of a skilled drug crime defense lawyer, there are a number of ways to clear your name and safeguard your freedom. Probation is available, especially for first-time offenders. With possession charges, it is very possible that a defense is available due to an illegal search and seizure. What this means is that police may have illegally invaded your privacy to find the drugs that led to your charge. A lack of probable cause or a warrant could be one possible defense. It may also be possible to prove that the substances were in fact not yours. You should consult with a trusted drug crime defense lawyer to see what defenses are available in your case.

Our Fresno Drug Crime Attorney Can Fight For You

When your entire future is on the line, you need to find outstanding defense. At the Law Office of Michael J. Aed, attorney Michael Aed has diligently defended his clients over many years as a public defender and while working on the Major Crimes Team for Fresno County. He can aggressively defend your case, too.

Call A Dedicated Criminal Defense Attorney

Our attorney brings this high level of dedication and skill to each of our cases. To find out what a powerhouse drug crime lawyer can do for you, do not hesitate to contact us.

You cannot afford delay, so act now! Send us an email or call us at 559-495-9320. We’re available to you and answer calls and return messages promptly 24/7.