Any drug-related crime in California is serious, regardless of its nature. In California criminal cases, prosecutors take a vigorous approach to obtain a conviction, which may result in potential jail time and a criminal record. Unfortunately, what follows after you’ve served time may be more troubling. A conviction for a drug crime may have an adverse impact on your job, finances, and personal life. Hence, you need a drug lawyer who has experience in these cases and will advocate for you every step of the way.
At the Aron Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience in successfully defending those arrested and charged with drug crimes, and we’re in a strong position to represent you. Our San Luis Obispo drug crime attorneys are familiar with judges and court procedures throughout California. Contact our firm at (805) 500-0759 for quality legal counsel regarding your case.
Summary of Drug Scheduling In California
The California Health and Safety Code assigns drugs to various schedules depending on their potential for abuse and available applications in medicine. Categorizing drugs in this way helps prosecutors determine how to charge the crime. Schedule I is the most severe drug classification of the schedules, and as such, it brings the most serious penalties among drug charges. Drugs in this category do not currently have a medical application and have the highest potential for abuse and addiction.
Below are some common drugs in each schedule:
Schedule I Drugs
Among the drugs classified as Schedule I are opiates and heroin. These drugs have addictive qualities and have been considered dangerous outside the scope of medical prescribing.
Schedule II Drugs
Drugs listed in Schedule II include morphine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. These drugs have the potential to be abused, but some are prescribed to treat deficit disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Schedule III Drugs
A number of Schedule III drugs—including depressants, codeine, and ketamine—may be abused, but most are used medically.
Schedule IV Drugs
Most Schedule IV drugs have little abuse potential, including Valium, Ambien, and Xanax. However, you may face a drug crime charge if you possess a significant amount of Schedule IV drugs, especially while driving.
Schedule V Drugs
Cough suppressants and other prescription medicines fall into Schedule V drugs.
Common Drug Charges in San Luis Obispo
A drug crime involves possession of illegal drugs, illegally obtained prescription medications, or other harmful substances. Many factors go into deciding the penalties to impose, including the following:
- Whether this is your first, second, or subsequent conviction
- The nature of your previous drug convictions and criminal history
- The time that has passed since your previous conviction for drugs
- The weight or quantity of the drug in your possession
- The schedule of the drug that you possessed
- The packaging of the drugs
Based on those factors, you may face charges for one of the following:
- Drug Possession
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Possession with Intent to Sell
- Manufacturing or Growing Drugs
- Drug Trafficking and Drug Distribution
Convictions for drug crimes carry the possibility of prison time, probation or parole, loss of parental rights and hefty fines, among others. The San Luis Obispo drug crime lawyers at the Aron Law Firm oppose unjust mandatory sentencing guidelines and will skillfully fight for your rights.
Defending Drug Charges Demands a Highly Trained Attorney
Often, it takes a multi-faceted approach to defend drug crime charges successfully. At the Aron Law Firm, we’ll investigate the facts of your case to determine the best defense strategy. We may challenge police misconduct such as unlawful searches and seizures, as well as fabricated evidence, flawed testimony, ownership of drugs, or entrapment. Facing drug charges may initially seem hopeless; however, an experienced and reputable criminal defense attorney may present a solid defense against seemingly unbeatable charges.
Getting the best possible result for our clients is our firm’s primary motivation, whether that means dismissing charges, acquitting them at trial, requesting a reduced sentence, obtaining an alternative punishment, or fighting disproportionately harsh sentencing.
Personalized Legal Defense from a San Luis Obispo Drug Crime Lawyer
If you need strong advocacy and protection of your rights in California, you should hire a San Luis Obispo drug crime lawyer as soon as possible. You may lose liberty, your reputation, financial security, and driving privileges should you be charged with an offense, whether it be a misdemeanor or felony.
At the Aron Law Firm, our attorneys have earned a reputation for delivering strategic criminal defense solutions, while taking a client-centered approach to every case we handle. Each client has an individual set of circumstances and needs in their present situation, and that’s why we offer them individualized legal guidance to ensure their story is heard and their case is handled appropriately.
To request a consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys, call (805) 500-0759 or complete our contact form.