Are you currently facing criminal charges for drug-related offenses? If so, speak to a drug crime lawyer in Walnut Creek from Silver Law Firm. A conviction for a drug offense can have far-reaching consequences on your freedoms and prospects. An experienced lawyer can defend you and protect your liberties.
Our team has over 37 years of combined legal experience in criminal law and has served over 10,000 clients from all backgrounds in life. Whether you’ve been charged with drug possession, trafficking, or manufacturing, we know how to approach your case and work toward a satisfactory outcome.
Send our offices a message online to discuss your case with a criminal defense lawyer in Walnut Creek.
Common Types of Drug Offenses in Walnut Creek
California’s drug laws are relatively lenient compared to many other states, but convictions can still result in prison time, civil fines, and other penalties.
Below are some of the most common types of drug crimes we represent in Walnut Creek:
- Simple possession. In California, it’s illegal to possess any amount of an illegal substance or controlled substance without a prescription. Simple possession in California is usually a misdemeanor, carrying up to a year in county jail and fines.
- Possession with intent to sell. Possessing drugs with the intent to sell is usually a felony charge that can carry several years in prison, depending on the type and quantity of drug.
- Drug distribution. Drug distribution charges involve transporting or importing controlled substances for sale. It is a felony crime and may trigger federal investigations if the criminal activity crosses state lines.
- Drug manufacturing. Creating or manufacturing drugs or chemical precursors to illegal drugs is a crime that can result in up to seven years in custody.
- Drug DUI. Driving while under the influence of drugs is a criminal offense that can carry the same penalties as an alcohol DUI.
For a free legal consultation with a drug crime lawyer serving Walnut Creek, call (510) 995-0000
How We Can Help
A Walnut Creek drug crime lawyer can use their skills to help you in several ways. We can:
- Evaluate search warrants and look for signs of illegal search and seizure
- Conduct a parallel investigation to look for evidence of your innocence
- Represent you during pre-trial motions and hearings
- Scrutinize the prosecution’s arguments and evidence against you
- Negotiate with the prosecution for potential plea agreements
- Defend your innocence during a jury trial
To learn more about our services, give us a call to set up a case evaluation.
Walnut Creek Drug Crime Lawyer Near Me (510) 995-0000
Defense Strategies for Drug Offenses
Below are some of the most common and effective strategies we may use to defend you against drug charges:
No Knowledge
Many drug crimes, such as possession, are crimes of intent. That means you must knowingly and intentionally commit the act to be convicted. In these cases, a lawyer may be able to argue that you didn’t have the requisite knowledge to be convicted of a crime.
For example, say you share a vehicle with a household member who stashed drugs in the car without your knowledge. If you were pulled over and arrested, a lawyer could argue that you didn’t knowingly or intentionally possess the drugs.
Entrapment
Entrapment is a legal defense where you argue that you only committed the crime because it was encouraged or facilitated by law enforcement. In drug cases, entrapment defense can come into play in instances involving undercover drug sales and sting operations.
If you were coerced or pressured into buying or transporting drugs by law enforcement, a lawyer could argue for your innocence on the grounds of entrapment. To argue entrapment, you must show that law enforcement induced you to commit a crime you were not predisposed to commit.
Illegal Search & Seizure
The Fourth Amendment protects individuals from unreasonable search and seizure where due process hasn’t been followed. If the police searched your home or vehicle without permission or a valid warrant, a lawyer could petition to suppress any gathered evidence and have the case against you dismissed.
Plea Agreements
A plea agreement or plea bargain is a legal arrangement where the prosecution agrees to press lesser charges in exchange for a guilty plea. For example, a lawyer may be able to negotiate down a drug trafficking charge into a simple possession charge in exchange for admitting to the crime.
Plea agreements are most effective when the prosecution is pressing serious charges, but the evidence is relatively thin. A lawyer may be able to leverage that lack of evidence and convince prosecutors to accept a guaranteed conviction for a lower-level crime.
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Silver Law Firm: Drug Crime Lawyers in Walnut Creek
Drug charges are no laughing matter. They deserve a serious and thoughtful legal response. The team at Silver Law Firm can stand at your side to ensure your rights are respected and defend you from the charges.
Send us a message online or call our offices today to schedule a case consultation with a drug crime lawyer in Walnut Creek.
Call or text (510) 995-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form