Are you facing charges for certain drug offenses in Livermore? Our team at Silver Law Firm has over 37 years of combined experience defending clients from drug charges and related crimes. A conviction for a drug crime can radically change your life and prospects, but a dedicated Livermore drug crime lawyer can protect your rights and freedoms.
We can intervene at any stage of the criminal process, from initial pleadings to jury trials. We prepare each case with the care and consideration it deserves and will use every available resource and strategy at hand to safeguard your liberties.
Contact our offices today to discuss your case with a Livermore criminal defense lawyer.
Types of Drug Offenses We Work With in Livermore
We have extensive experience litigating cases involving a wide range of drug crime charges. Common drug charges in Livermore include the following:
- Possession. Simple possession involves being caught with a quantity of drugs for personal use.
- Possession for sale. Possession for sale is a more serious charge that involves possessing a quantity of drugs with an intent to sell them. Typically, possession for sale charges depend on the quantity of drugs you’re caught with.
- Distribution and trafficking. Drug trafficking charges involve selling, transporting, or distributing illegal drugs. If the activity crosses state lines, it may also trigger federal charges.
- Drug paraphernalia. It is also illegal for individuals to possess certain paraphernalia used for consuming drugs, such as pipes and related smoking devices.
- Being under the influence. It is illegal in California to be intoxicated on an illegal drug while in public.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crime lawyer serving Livermore, call (510) 995-0000
Punishment for Drug Crimes in Livermore
The penalties for drug crimes can vary significantly, depending on the specific crime and the presence of aggravating factors. A first-time lower-level offense, like simple possession, will typically be charged as a misdemeanor and can carry up to one year in county jail and a fine.
More serious crimes, such as trafficking or distribution, are charged as felony crimes and can carry several years in custody. If a drug crime crosses state lines, it could trigger federal criminal charges, which can be meted out in conjunction with state-level criminal charges.
These penalties extend to more than just prison and fines. A drug crime conviction can make it harder to find housing and may impact your employment. That’s not even mentioning the harm to your social reputation. When the stakes are this high, a dedicated legal professional can work to protect you from the worst of consequences.
Livermore Drug Crime Lawyer Near Me (510) 995-0000
Potential Legal Defenses to Drug Crimes
Every case is different and requires a unique, tailor-made response. Below are some general argument patterns a Livermore drug crime lawyer may be able to use to defend you against the charges:
Lack of Knowledge
Many drug crimes, such as possession, require you to knowingly and intentionally commit the act. For instance, if you didn’t know there were drugs in your house or vehicle, that ignorance could be used as a defense against possession charges.
Entrapment
An entrapment defense argues that you wouldn’t have committed the crime without the encouragement of law enforcement. This defense may be relevant in situations like drug stings and undercover officers selling drugs.
Illegal Search and Seizure
Many drug charges can be argued against on the grounds of illegal search and seizure under the Fourth Amendment. If the police illegally searched your house or vehicle without a valid warrant, a Livermore drug crime lawyer can work to suppress the evidence or have the case dismissed.
Valid Prescription
Some controlled substances are legal to possess with a valid prescription. If you were arrested for possessing a substance you were legally allowed to have, a lawyer can argue against your guilt.
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How a Livermore Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help
We can intervene at any stage in criminal proceedings and start building a defense strategy. Here are just a few of the ways our team can help:
- Assessing police reports. We can look for inconsistencies and missing details in police reports that could signal holes in the investigation.
- Reviewing search warrants. We can review search warrants to determine whether they are valid and enforceable.
- Gathering physical evidence. We will perform a parallel investigation and gather physical evidence that could be exculpatory.
- Negotiating plea agreements. If necessary, we can negotiate a plea deal with the prosecution to secure lesser charges or sentencing.
- Exploring alternative drug sentencing. Drug crimes are often eligible for alternative sentencing to prison, such as drug counseling and treatment programs.
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Silver Law Firm: Drug Crime Lawyer Serving Livermore
Even a minor drug crime conviction can result in a truncation of your privileges and liberties. Silver Law Firm is here to give you a fighting chance against the charges. We won’t rest until we have turned over every stone and reviewed every avenue to a satisfactory resolution.
Send us a message online or reach out to us by phone today to schedule a case consultation with a drug crime lawyer serving Livermore.
Call or text (510) 995-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form