Drug Crimes

Get a Free Consultation

Sacramento County Drug Crimes Lawyer

Understanding California's Drug Crime Laws

Many different acts can be charged as drug crimes. When you are facing a drug-related charge, you are facing serious criminal, social, and professional penalties. As your criminal defense lawyer, my job is to do all I can to defend your case in an effort to have the charge lowered or ideally, dismissed.

I represent clients who are facing all types of drug charge, including:

Possession of a controlled dangerous substance;
Manufacturing a controlled dangerous substance;
Selling or engaging in another type of drug trafficking;
Using a stolen identity to obtain prescription drugs from a pharmacy; and
Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Although it is legal for adults to possess and cultivate cannabis in California, there are laws in place regulating its cultivation, sale, and use. A few California-specific cannabis infractions an individual may be charged with include:

Possession of cannabis by a minor;
Possession of more than the permitted ounce of cannabis or six plants;
Public consumption of cannabis;
Possession of an open container of cannabis in a motor vehicle; and
Sale of cannabis without a valid license to do so.

Keep in mind that although cannabis is legal to possess and consume under certain circumstances in California, it is illegal at the federal level. You can face a federal cannabis possession charge for having any amount of cannabis on federal land in California or for trafficking it into or out of the state.

Drug Crime Penalties

How a drug offense is charged depends on a few factors, such as the substance involved in the alleged act, the amount of the drug involved in the alleged act, and the alleged offender’s previous criminal record. A drug-related offense may be charged as an infraction, a misdemeanor, a wobbler, or a felony. A wobbler is an offense that can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony at the prosecutor or judge’s discretion, depending on the factors present in the case.

As I mentioned above, my job is to try to have your charge dropped or reduced. When you are facing a wobbler, my goal is to have you charged with a misdemeanor and then defend your case against the misdemeanor. Sometimes, having your charge dropped is not a realistic outcome. In a scenario like this, your defense strategy might focus on admission to a pretrial diversion program for drug offenders. This type of program makes it possible for you to have your charge dropped if you complete certain requirements.

Do not wait to start working with an experienced criminal defense lawyer to develop an appropriate legal defense strategy for your case. When you are facing a drug charge, your first step should be to contact the Law Office of Steve Whitworth to schedule your free legal consultation.

Call today for your consultation, we will protect your future.

“I would recommend Steve and his team to anyone in need.”
- John H.
“He showed up at 4 am while I was in jail to brief me on how to get out. He not only got me out but got me the best possible deal. I was facing 15 years in prison and I got 30 days house arrest.”
- Curt L.
“He is very good and educated at what he does.”
- Shelby V.

What Sets Us Apart?

Honest & Reasonably Priced Representation
Aggressive & Experienced Trial Lawyer
Won Over 130 Cases in 7 Years
Named as Superlawyer For the Last 10 Years
Free Initial Consultation & 24/7 Availability
Spanish Speaking Services Available

Awrds & Accolades

First Name
Please enter your first name.
Last Name
Please enter your last name.
Phone
Please enter your phone number.

This isn't a valid phone number.
Email
Please enter your email address.

This isn't a valid email address.
Are you a new client?
Please make a selection.
How can we help you?
Please enter a message.