Los Angeles Drug Possession Lawyer

Facing drug possession charges in Los Angeles can have serious consequences. Whether you’re caught with a small amount of drugs or accused of selling them, the penalties can include jail time, fines, and a criminal record that affects your future. With California’s strict drug laws, you need strong legal help to protect your rights.

William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law helps people in Los Angeles who are facing drug charges. Our team understands how serious these cases are and knows how to defend clients against accusations of drug crimes. Our Los Angeles drug possession lawyer takes the time to understand your case, review the evidence, and create a defense strategy to fight for a better outcome.

Whether it’s simple possession, drug trafficking, or prescription drug offenses, we are here to guide you through the legal system and work towards minimizing the penalties.

What Are Drug Possession Laws in California?

California has strict laws for drug possession. Possession of a controlled substance is illegal unless you have a prescription or meet other specific conditions. Whether the drugs are methamphetamine, heroin, or prescription drugs, the law treats all forms of drug possession seriously.

The California Penal Code Section § 11350 and the California Health and Safety Code set the penalties, and a conviction can result in jail time and fines.

Understanding Drug Schedules and California Laws

Drug possession laws in California depend heavily on how the drug is classified. The DEA Schedules group drugs into five categories based on their risk for abuse and accepted medical use.

• Schedule I drugs have the highest risk and no accepted medical use. This includes heroin and LSD.
• Schedule II drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine are also considered dangerous but may have some medical use under strict limits.
• Schedule III includes drugs like ketamine and anabolic steroids, which have a lower risk.
• Schedule IV drugs include Xanax and Valium.
• Schedule V drugs have the lowest potential for abuse, like cough medicines with small amounts of codeine.

In California, laws like Health and Safety Code § 11357 deal with marijuana possession. If someone is caught transporting or selling marijuana without a license, California Health and Safety Code § 11360 may apply. These drug laws matter when determining charges and possible penalties.

How Los Angeles Prosecutors Handle Drug Crimes

In Los Angeles, prosecutors often push for harsh penalties in drug possession cases. They look for any evidence to prove possession, including drug paraphernalia and any statements made during the arrest. Prosecutors will also consider whether the drug was meant for personal use or possession with the intent to sell.

With so much at stake, having a Los Angeles drug possession lawyer is critical to challenging the evidence and protecting your rights.

Long-Term Consequences of a Drug Conviction

• Jail time or probation, depending on the severity of the charge.
• A criminal record that can affect future job opportunities, housing, and travel.
• Driver's license suspension for some drug charges, specifically those involving driving under the influence of a controlled substance.
• Restrictions on gun ownership and eligibility for certain benefits or licenses.
• Impact on immigration status, including possible deportation for non-citizens.

Common Drug Possession Charges We Defend

William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law defends clients against various drug possession charges. These charges can range from minor offenses like simple possession to serious felonies. We help people charged with possession of illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and more.

Possession of a Controlled Substance (Health & Safety Code § 11350)

Under California Health and Safety Code § 11350, it is illegal to possess a controlled substance without a prescription. This includes drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, and even certain prescription drugs. A conviction can result in jail time and fines.

Possession of Meth, Cocaine, Heroin, Fentanyl, and Prescription Drugs

Possessing drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, or prescription drugs without a prescription is a criminal offense in California. These charges carry heavy penalties, and having a defense attorney can help you reduce or dismiss the charges.

Possession of Marijuana in Violation of State Law

Even though marijuana is legal for recreational use in California, it’s still illegal to possess it in certain situations. This includes being under 21, exceeding the allowed quantity, or using it in places where it's banned.

A Los Angeles drug possession lawyer can defend you if you're accused of violating these laws.

Possession for Sale or Intent to Distribute

If you are accused of having drugs with the intent to sell them, the penalties are much more severe. Prosecutors often charge this as a felony. We defend clients facing charges under California Penal Code § 11351 and related laws, working to reduce charges to misdemeanors or get charges dropped.

Juvenile Drug Possession Cases

For minors, the legal system treats drug possession differently. While it can still lead to penalties, there are diversion programs and alternatives to jail time.

Our criminal defense lawyer defends juvenile cases by focusing on rehabilitation and minimizing the impact of the charges on the minor's future.

What Are the Possible Defenses to Drug Possession Charges?

In drug possession cases, several defenses can help reduce or dismiss the charges against you. If the police violated your rights or made mistakes during the arrest, these can be used in your defense. Our Los Angeles drug possession lawyer will investigate every detail of your case to find the best defense strategy.

Illegal Search and Seizure

One defense in drug possession cases is illegal search and seizure. Under the Fourth Amendment, police need either a warrant or probable cause to search you, your car, or your home. If they didn’t have proper legal grounds for the search, any evidence they found may not be allowed in court.

We can challenge the way the evidence was collected to help protect your rights and possibly get the case dismissed.

Lack of Knowledge or Intent

To be convicted of drug possession, the prosecutor must prove that you knew the drugs were there and that they were illegal. If you did not know about the drugs or didn’t know they were a controlled substance, you may not be legally responsible.

For example, if someone else left drugs in your car or bag without your knowledge, we can fight to show you had no intent to possess them.

Drugs Did Not Belong to You

Sometimes people are charged with simple possession just because drugs were found nearby. But being close to drugs does not always mean you own them. You may have been in a shared space, like a car or apartment, where the drugs belonged to someone else.

We work to prove that the controlled substances were not yours, helping to weaken the prosecution’s case and protect you from unfair charges.

Entrapment or Police Misconduct

Entrapment occurs when law enforcement tricks or pressures someone into committing a crime they wouldn't have committed on their own. If the police encouraged or coerced you into possessing drugs, it may be considered entrapment.

In addition, police misconduct, such as Miranda Rights violations or unlawful searches, can also play a key role in your defense. If law enforcement acted improperly, we will use that to challenge the charges and protect your rights.

Alternative Sentencing Options in Los Angeles

If you're facing drug possession charges, there may be alternatives to jail time that can help you avoid a permanent criminal record. Los Angeles offers several options that focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.

These options are designed to help you get back on track and keep your future clean.

Diversion and Drug Programs

Diversion and drug treatment programs are excellent alternatives for first-time offenders. These programs focus on rehabilitation by providing treatment, counseling, and drug education instead of jail time. Successful completion can lead to charges being reduced or dismissed.

Drug programs offer a structured environment where individuals are monitored and given the tools they need to educate themselves on drug dangers while avoiding the harsh penalties of a criminal conviction. Our Los Angeles drug possession lawyer can help you apply for these options and guide you through the process.

Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)

Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) is a program for individuals facing drug possession charges. If you meet the requirements, you can enter a treatment program instead of being immediately sentenced to jail. After completing the program, your charges may be dismissed or reduced.

DEJ is a great option for those who want to avoid the negative consequences of a harsh conviction.

Proposition 36 Eligibility

Proposition 36 allows eligible offenders to receive drug treatment instead of prison for certain drug crimes. If you are facing non-violent drug possession charges and are a first-time offender, this may be an option for you.

By entering a treatment program under Proposition 36, you can avoid jail time, reduce the risk of a criminal conviction, and get the support you need to address substance abuse.

Expungement After Case Resolution

Once your case is resolved, and if your charges are dismissed or reduced, you may be eligible for expungement. Expungement removes the criminal record associated with the charge, which can significantly improve your chances of finding employment or housing.

Our criminal defense lawyers help clients understand their options for expungement and guide them through the process to clear their records.

How Our Los Angeles Drug Possession Lawyer Can Help

If you’ve been arrested for drug possession, you need a lawyer who knows how to successfully navigate the Los Angeles court system. William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law focuses on analyzing every detail of your case.

Our goal is to protect your rights, reduce charges, and help you avoid the harsh consequences of a conviction.

Analyzing Evidence and Police Procedures

• Illegal Search and Seizure: If the police searched you or your property without a warrant or probable cause, we can argue that the evidence found should be excluded from court.
• Chain of Custody: We verify whether the controlled substances were handled correctly by law enforcement to ensure there were no mistakes or tampering.
• Witness Testimonies: We review and cross-examine witnesses to find inconsistencies or inaccuracies that could weaken the case against you.
• Forensic Evidence: We work with experts to analyze forensic evidence, such as toxicology reports and lab results, to ensure accuracy.

Fighting to Reduce or Dismiss Charges

We work hard to get your drug possession charges reduced or even dropped. If there is not enough evidence or the police made mistakes, we can file a request with the court to dismiss the charges. Our goal is to help you avoid jail time and a criminal record. We’ll fight for the best possible outcome.

Protecting Your Rights and Your Future

You have the right to a fair trial and to be treated justly. We will make sure your legal rights are protected throughout the entire process. We focus on defending you against criminal charges, working to keep your record clean and ensure you don’t face long-term consequences like loss of employment or immigration issues.

Personalized Legal Defense Strategy

Every case is different, and we create a defense strategy that fits your situation. Whether it’s challenging the evidence, negotiating with the prosecutor, or exploring diversion programs, we build a plan that works for you. Our team at William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law gives you the legal defense you deserve.

FAQs

1. What is drug diversion in California?

Drug diversion is a way to avoid jail by completing treatment or education instead. If successful, the charges may be dismissed.

2. Can I get a plea deal for a drug charge?

Yes. A plea deal may reduce the charge or sentence. We often work with the court to get better results for our clients.

3. How does Proposition 64 affect drug charges?

Proposition 64 made it legal for adults over the age to have small amounts of marijuana. But selling or having too much can still lead to charges.

4. Can I do legal community service instead of jail?

In some cases, yes. Legal community service is sometimes part of a sentence or plea deal, especially for non-violent charges.

Speak with Our Los Angeles Drug Crimes Lawyer Today

If you are facing a drug possession charge, you need legal help right away. A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, and a permanent mark on your record. It can also affect other areas of your life, like work, family, and housing. We focus on giving you clear answers and strong support from the start.

William S. Kroger Criminal Defense Attorney at Law knows how serious these cases are. Whether your charge is for simple possession or tied to something larger like drug trafficking, we’re ready to help. Our team also has experience in cases involving domestic violence, sex crimes, and white collar crimes. That means we understand how the law connects across different charges and how to build the best legal representation for your situation.

Do not wait. Contact us now for a free consultation. We will listen, explain your options, and fight for the best outcome.