Being charged with a criminal offense is scary. You’re likely worried about the immediate legal process, as well as about your future. Our Hayward drug crime lawyers can help.
At Silver Law Firm, we’ve served over 10,000 clients. Our Hayward criminal defense lawyers will build your defense and fight for the best possible outcome.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with our legal team.
What Is a Drug Crime in Hayward?
There are several types of drug crimes in Hayward. These include:
- Simple possession: You were caught with drugs in your possession, but the quantity points to personal use.
- Possession for sale: You were caught with a large quantity of drugs, or any quantity alongside supplies for selling drugs.
- Drug trafficking: You sold, transported, or imported drugs.
- Drug manufacturing: You manufactured drugs, typically with the intent to sell them.
- Possession of drug paraphernalia: You possessed paraphernalia related to drug use.
Each of these crimes brings a specific possible charge and punishment.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crime lawyer serving Hayward, call (510) 995-0000
Are Drug Crimes a Felony or Misdemeanor in Hayward?
Whether a drug crime is a felony or misdemeanor depends on the circumstances of the case and whether there were any aggravating factors. For example:
Charged as Misdemeanors
Typically, simple possession of drugs or drug paraphernalia is charged as a misdemeanor. Penalties for a misdemeanor can include:
- Up to one year in county jail.
- Fines.
- In some cases, drug treatment or diversion programs may be used instead of jail time.
It’s important to note that simple possession may still be charged as a felony in specific circumstances. These include:
- Prior conviction for a serious crime.
- Registered as a sex offender.
- Having a loaded firearm on you when you were arrested.
Charged as Felonies
Crimes involving the sale, trafficking, or manufacturing of drugs typically are charged as felonies. Penalties for felony drug crimes can include:
- Possession for sale: Up to four years in state or county prison. A fine of up to $20,000.
- Sale or transportation of drugs: Up to five years in prison. Fines.
- Drug manufacturing: Up to seven years in prison. Fines of up to $50,000.
Aggravating factors that can increase these penalties include:
- If children were present while drugs were manufactured.
- If a drug sale took place near a school, drug treatment facility, or homeless shelter.
- If firearms were involved.
- If there were previous convictions.
- If drugs were taken over state or county lines.
Our Hayward drug crimes attorneys will try to minimize a charge whenever possible.
Hayward Drug Crime Lawyer Near Me (510) 995-0000
What Other Impacts Does a Drug Crime Conviction Have on Your Life?
While jail time and fines are often the primary concern of those charged with a crime, there are other impacts on your life to consider. A drug crime conviction may mean:
- The loss of access to federal student loan programs.
- Loss of professional licenses.
- Probation.
- Impacts on your immigration status.
- Difficulty with obtaining housing or jobs.
- A permanent criminal record.
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How Can Our Drug Crime Lawyers Serving Hayward Help You?
When you’re worried about possible jail time, it’s important to have legal representation that you feel confident in. Silver Law Firm will leave no stone unturned as we investigate your case and build our defense strategy.
Our legal team can:
- Gather evidence that supports your case, including interviewing every available witness.
- Look for violations of your rights during the investigation or arrest.
- Challenge unlawful arrests or evidence gathering.
- Negotiate plea deals, when applicable.
- Represent your case in court.
- Advocate for minimum sentencing, when possible.
In addition to these aspects, we will also help you understand the legal process itself. We never leave our clients in the dark and are happy to answer any questions you have throughout your case.
Our testimonials speak to the compassionate and committed nature of our legal representation services. Our results highlight this dedication as well.
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How the Prosecution Builds Their Case in Drug Crimes
The prosecution must prove two key elements in their case. These elements are:
- Knowledge: You knew about the drugs in your possession.
- Intent: You had intent to sell or use the drugs in your possession.
They will try to prove these elements through their investigation and the evidence they gather. Evidence they may use against you includes:
- Witness statements—for example, the witness testimony of someone who was allegedly buying drugs from you.
- Video footage.
- Forensic evidence. For example, your fingerprints on a bag containing the drugs.
- Any drugs found in your possession.
- Police reports.
- Testimony from the arresting police officer.
- Your own statements, such as any admissions made during your arrest or interview.
- Financial transactions.
- Digital communications. For example, text messages about the illegal substance.
Our legal team will also analyze the prosecution’s evidence, looking for errors and inconsistencies.
What Should You Do If You Are Arrested for a Drug Crime in Hayward
To protect your legal rights and your defense, there are a few important actions to take if you are arrested. These actions are:
- Remain calm. Do not argue or yell.
- Do not resist arrest. This can add additional offenses to your charges.
- Ask to speak with a lawyer.
- Otherwise, remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you.
- Do not resist any part of the booking process.
- Discuss the next steps with your lawyer and follow their legal advice.
- Comply with any legal restrictions placed on you. For example, if there are conditions set for bail.
Contact a Drug Crime Attorney Serving Hayward Today
If you have been accused or arrested for a drug crime in Hayward, don’t wait to get legal help. The team at Silver Law Firm is here to help from the moment your case starts. We will investigate, build your defense, and ensure you feel confident going forward.
Call us today to set up your free initial consultation. We’ll go over the charges against you and help you plan for your next steps.
Call or text (510) 995-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form