Walnut Creek Drug Possession Lawyers

Arrested for a Drug Crime in East Bay?

Illicit drugs, or “controlled substances” as they are better known in California’s legal codes, are any sort of a drug or chemical that has its distribution, possession, and use controlled by the government. Being found in possession of one of these substances can result in serious penalties, including felony charges in severe cases.

There are three primary Health and Safety Codes that regulate this wide range of substances:

• Code 11350 includes narcotics such as cocaine, heroin, and LSD as well as prescription drugs such as Vicodin, OxyContin, and codeine
• Code 11357 includes marijuana
• Code 11377 includes methamphetamines and other stimulants such as PCP, special K, or certain anabolic steroids.

If you have been accused of possession of a controlled substance, it is imperative that you reach out and contact a skilled Walnut Creek criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. The award-winning legal professionals at The Cardoza Law Offices, Inc. have helped numerous clients with their drug crimes charges, and have a long-standing record of securing favorable outcomes.

Be proactive about your legal defense. Call The Cardoza Law Offices at (925) 274-2900 today!

Penalties for Drug Possession

Illegal possession of a controlled substance charges can carry widely-varying penalties. Factors such as the amount of the substance you are discovered with, your intentions in possessing it, and whether or not you manufactured or grew the substance yourself will affect the state’s charges against you.

For drugs covered by Codes 11350 and 11377, simple possession is usually considered a misdemeanor, meaning you face up to a year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for a first conviction. Marijuana law (Code 11357) can vary heavily depending on the amount you are found in possession of, but is either a petty infraction or a misdemeanor with a maximum jail time of up to six months and a $500 fine. However, the penalties for a violation of any of the three codes can increase significantly if you have any previous felony convictions.

Contact the Cardoza Law Offices online today and request a free initial consultation. Our East Bay defense firm is ready to review your case.