Southern California Drug Crime Attorneys

Experienced Defense Against State and Federal Drug Charges

A drug crime conviction can derail your life, threatening your freedom, future employment prospects, immigration status, and even child custody rights. Whether you’re facing state charges in California or federal drug crimes in the Southern District of California, the stakes are incredibly high. At The Sullivan Defense, APC, we bring a wealth of experience in both state and federal drug cases, providing aggressive and strategic defense to protect your rights and fight for your freedom.

If you are being charged with simple possession, transporting, selling, or manufacturing drugs, we can help. We have handled countless drug crime cases, including everything from misdemeanor drug crime to felony drug charges. Call our reliable, knowledgeable team right away to get started defending yourself against your drug charges. You can reach us at 760-993-3720 to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Drug Crimes in California and Federal Court

California law categorizes drug offenses into two main categories:

  1. Possession: Typically charged as a misdemeanor under Proposition 47, but can be elevated to a felony depending on circumstances.
  2. Trafficking: Includes sale, transportation, and manufacturing. Usually charged as felonies with severe penalties.

Common California drug charges include:

  • Simple possession
  • Possession with intent to sell
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Transportation of controlled substances
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia

Federal Drug Offenses

Federal drug crimes often involve larger quantities of drugs, crossing state lines, or are part of ongoing criminal enterprises. These cases are prosecuted in federal court and carry significantly harsher penalties. Common federal drug charges include:

  • Drug trafficking and distribution
  • Conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
  • Importation of illegal drugs
  • Manufacturing controlled substances
  • Continuing Criminal Enterprise (CCE) violations

Why the Distinction Matters

The key differences between state and federal drug charges include:

  1. Severity of Penalties: Federal charges typically carry much harsher sentences, including mandatory minimums.
  2. Prosecution Resources: Federal prosecutors often have more resources at their disposal.
  3. Jurisdictional Issues: Cases can move from state to federal court, or vice versa, depending on various factors.
  4. Different Laws and Procedures: Federal courts operate under different rules and procedures than California state courts.

What Penalties Could I Face if I’m Convicted of a Drug Crime in California?

The penalties you face if convicted of a drug time depend on many factors in your unique case. For example, the type of drugs involved may dictate whether you face misdemeanor or felony charges. Additionally, your charges could be enhanced (meaning your penalty is more severe) if you possessed a firearm or engaged in gang activity at the time of drug possession.

A simple possession misdemeanor drug crime may lead to jail time of up to one year, smaller fines, and mandatory participation in drug diversion programs. A more serious drug-related offense, like drug trafficking, could result in years in prison and hefty fines. You should also take into account the impact of a criminal record, which can prevent future employment opportunities, immigration status, and other serious consequences.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Fight My Southern California Drug Charges?

If you are facing a drug crime conviction for illegal drugs or a controlled substance, you can still fight your drug offenses and protect your freedom with the help of a skilled Southern California drug crime attorney.

Some ways a lawyer can help include:

  • Protecting your constitutional rights during the arrest and investigation
  • Uncovering evidence to back up your story
  • Providing an adequate legal defense, including that you had a valid prescription or that you had no knowledge of the illegal drugs
  • Offering counsel on how to interact with police officers during your drug crime case
  • Getting you the lowest possible sentencing for your drug crimes
  • Demonstrating that the prosecution’s evidence was not legally obtained and must be thrown out
  • Proving that the drugs were for personal use with no intent to sell

Our Strategic Defense Approach

At The Sullivan Defense, APC, we leverage our extensive experience in both state and federal courts to build robust defense strategies. Our approach may include:

  1. Constitutional Challenges: We scrutinize every aspect of the investigation and arrest to identify violations of your Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures.
  2. Challenging Evidence: We work to suppress illegally obtained evidence and question the reliability of drug tests and witness testimonies.
  3. Negotiating Plea Deals: When appropriate, we negotiate with prosecutors to reduce charges or seek alternative sentencing options, such as drug diversion programs.
  4. Aggressive Trial Defense: If your case goes to trial, our experienced litigators will fight vigorously for your acquittal, leveraging our extensive courtroom experience.
  5. Sentencing Advocacy: If conviction is unavoidable, we work tirelessly to secure the most lenient sentence possible, often arguing for alternatives to incarceration.

Should You Hire Our Southern California Drug Crime Lawyers?

When you are charged with drug crimes in California, you need a legal team you can count on for excellent counsel and legal representation. Our leading attorney has handled many drug crime cases, giving us the knowledge and experience necessary to handle your case. We will work tirelessly to introduce reasonable doubt into the prosecution’s argument to get you the most favorable results possible in your drug case. We will also fight aggressively to protect your freedom and legal rights.

At The Sullivan Defense, APC, we have extensive trial experience and are highly confident in the courtroom. Unlike other law firms, we don’t shy away from a fight when defending our clients. We also offer a free consultation so that you can get legal counsel from our talented team without any risk or obligation. Call 760-993-3720 today for a skilled criminal defense team you can count on.

Act Now to Protect Your Rights and Freedom

If you’re facing drug charges in Southern California, whether at the state or federal level, time is of the essence. Early intervention can be crucial in building a strong defense and potentially influencing the direction of your case.

  1. Remain Silent: Exercise your right to remain silent. Do not discuss the charges with anyone, including law enforcement, without your attorney present.
  2. Refuse Searches: Do not consent to any searches of your person, vehicle, or property without a warrant.
  3. Document Everything: Keep detailed records of all interactions with law enforcement and prosecutors.
  4. Contact Us Immediately: Call The Sullivan Defense, APC at 760-327-1529 for a confidential consultation. Our expertise in both state and federal drug cases could make the critical difference in your defense.

Don’t let drug charges jeopardize your future. With The Sullivan Defense, APC, you have a team that understands the nuances of both California and federal drug laws fighting in your corner. Contact us now to start building your defense strategy.

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