Norwalk Drug Crime Lawyer

Norwalk Drug Crime Attorney

If you’ve been arrested for marijuana possession, drug trafficking, or another drug violation, speak with a Norwalk drug crime lawyer as soon as you’re able. The longer you take to seek an experienced criminal defense attorney for your drug arrest, the weaker your chances may be for a favorable outcome. At the law corporation of Gibbons & Gibbons, we’ve assisted countless clients in getting their charges dismissed or reduced, lessening the penalties against them.

Our professional drug possession charges defense team is qualified to help clients facing allegations for such offenses as driving while high, being found under the influence of controlled substances, simple possession of narcotics, distribution, and more. Gibbons & Gibbons defense attorneys also handle cases of domestic violence and other violent offenses, homicide, firearm violations, and white-collar crimes.

Drug Laws and Classification in California

In California, it is unlawful for any person to possess or sell any illegal substances, including being found under the influence of prohibited drugs. Medicinal cannabis and recreational marijuana use is legal for adults aged 21 and older. These persons can purchase and consume the drug according to the mandated restrictions under state law; for example, law-abiding adults using marijuana are still prohibited by law from driving while impaired by medical or recreational cannabis.

California follows the Federal Schedule system, which classifies substances by severity and determines which penalties are considered fitting for any drug-related offenses based on the substance and the amount in question. Drugs are classified by their capacity for medical usefulness and their potential to cause harm or addiction. Each substance is placed into a category, ranging from Schedule V (the least severe) to Schedule I (the most severe).

Here are brief explanations of each schedule, along with examples of drugs within each category:

• Schedule I: Substances in this category are not considered to have much medicinal value and present a high risk for addiction, even with minimal or careful use. Examples include LSD, heroin, peyote, ecstasy, and PCP.
• Schedule II: These substances entail a moderate risk of leading to addiction but are also somewhat accepted as having some medical uses. These include cocaine, fentanyl, opium, and meth.
• Schedule III: This schedule encompasses drugs with some risk of addiction, and they have some utility for medical purposes. Some examples include ketamine, anabolic steroids, and some depressants.
• Schedule IV: Substances that have greater recognized medicinal value but can still cause addiction or dependence include Xanax, Ambien, Valium, and Ativan.
• Schedule V: This drug category contains substances that pose the least likelihood for abuse or severe dependency. Additionally, they are strongly accepted as having legitimate medical purposes. Some examples include cough medicines with low concentrations of codeine, Lomotil, and buprenorphine.

Penalties If Convicted for a Drug-Related Offense

Upon conviction for a drug violation in Norwalk, CA, penalties will vary depending on:

• The substance involved
• The amount in one’s possession
• The exact offense(s), such as possession with the intent to sell, transportation, etc.
• The offender’s criminal history

Misdemeanor convictions tend to draw less severe punishment compared to felony convictions, naturally, but the potential penalties are still very serious and can impact your future.

In addition to possible jail or prison sentences, some ranging from up to several years or even decades in total, other penalties that a defendant could face following a drug violation include:

• Heavy criminal fines
• Deportation
• Probation
• Community service
• The repayment of any ill-gotten gains from drug activity
• The completion of a rehabilitation program

There are many other subsequent consequences that having a drug conviction on their record may have for an individual.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a California Defense Lawyer Cost?

A: The cost of your lawyer fees will vary depending on:

• The type of offense
• How complex the case details are
• Your attorney’s experience and skills
• The time, resources, and work required to complete the proceedings

Additionally, a defense lawyer may choose to charge an hourly rate or a flat fee upfront. Misdemeanor cases typically cost between a few thousand and several thousand dollars; felony charges are more likely to cost more, up to tens of thousands of dollars.

Q: Do First-Time Drug Offenders Go to Jail in CA?

A: It’s possible that defendants convicted of their first drug offense may spend a period of time in jail. Penalties can vary quite a bit; some punishments include no jail time, while others involve incarceration for several years.

The court will consider the lack of criminal history of first-time offenders, but other influencing factors over a defendant’s punishment include:

• The degree of the crime (e.g., simple possession, distribution, trafficking, etc.)
• The type of drug involved
• The amount of the substance
• The presence of any aggravating factors

Q: Which Drugs Are a Felony to Have in California?

A: Drug felonies in California depend on the amount of the substance and what the defendant intended to do with the drugs, rather than specific substances automatically earning a felony charge.

However, crimes concerning illicit drugs are regarded more seriously than those that involve legal or prescription drugs that are possessed in excess or being handled unlawfully. Certain amounts of a drug, which vary depending on what it is, will typically indicate the intention to distribute or engage in drug trafficking; these are felony offenses.

Q: How Long Does a Drug Felony Stay on Your Record in CA?

A: In California, a felony conviction stays on your criminal record indefinitely, meaning that anyone who runs a background check on you will be able to see the offense, regardless of how many years have passed.

Potential employers, landlords, and others may then be influenced upon seeing your record. You may be eligible to have the felony expunged from your record if you weren’t incarcerated in state prison. Whatever the case, you should make all efforts to avoid a felony conviction.

A Capable Criminal Defense Law Firm Ready to Fight for You

The skilled and experienced defense attorneys at Gibbons & Gibbons have successfully assisted many clients in securing the least severe punishment possible for their situation, if not getting the charges dismissed altogether. Contact our team to schedule a meeting where we can review the details of your case, go over your options, and begin building a strong defense case.