Santa Ana Drug Possession Defense Attorney

Charged with possessing a controlled substance?

Possession charges in California are extremely serious. If you have been caught with a certain amount of most controlled substances in your possession or on your person, you could be charged with a felony. If you are convicted of a felony drug offense, you will almost certainly be incarcerated. Depending upon the type of drug involved, however, you could face lighter charges. For example, possession of less than 28.8 grams of marijuana for personal use will result in a misdemeanor rather than a felony charge. 

No matter if this is your first offense and you were only in possession of drug-related paraphernalia or you have a prior record and you are facing extremely serious felony or even federal charges, Moises Aguilar, Esq. could be able to help you avoid harsh penalties.

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in California?

In California, drug possession penalties vary depending on the type and quantity of the substance, as well as the circumstances of the arrest. Under California law, possessing a controlled substance for personal use is generally classified as a misdemeanor, particularly after the passage of Proposition 47. This law reclassified certain drug possession offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, reducing potential jail time. A misdemeanor conviction can result in up to one year in county jail, fines, probation, or mandatory participation in a drug treatment program.

However, the penalties can be more severe if aggravating factors are involved, such as possession with intent to sell, or if the individual has prior convictions. In such cases, the charges may be elevated to a felony, leading to harsher sentences, including longer jail or prison time. It’s important to note that possession of certain drugs, such as methamphetamine or cocaine, can carry more significant penalties. Additionally, individuals with prior serious or violent felonies may face enhanced sentences.

What Happens if You're Caught With Drugs That Aren't Yours?

Being caught with drugs that aren’t yours can still result in serious legal consequences. In California, possession is determined by whether you had control over the substance, even if it was not personally yours. For instance, if drugs are found in a vehicle you are driving or in a shared living space, law enforcement may still charge you with possession.

To defend against these charges, it is crucial to demonstrate that you had no knowledge of the drugs or that they were not in your control. Evidence such as witness statements or physical proof that the drugs belonged to someone else can be critical in your defense. Our Santa Ana drug possession defense attorney is experienced in handling such cases and can help build a robust defense to protect your rights.

Why Hire an Attorney?

You have a much better chance at success in your criminal case if you choose to retain the top drug lawyer in Santa Ana who has your best interests at heart. We know how upsetting it can be to face criminal charges of any type and we are dedicated to finding the best possible defense to suit your case. We know that cookie-cutter approaches to criminal defense do not work. We will invest the necessary time and resources into finding the best possible avenue of defense for your particular case because we consider it our duty to give you premier legal services. 

Looking for a lawyer for your drug case in Santa Ana? Please don't hesitate to give us a call if you have questions about your case or what you can expect from a drug possession charge in Santa Ana. 

Contact Santa Ana Drug Possession Lawyer Moises Aguilar today.