Most Common Drug Offenses in Sacramento
When people hear the words drug offense, they may think about a number of offenses, all of which can have severe penalties. A drug-related offense can impact many areas of your life, leaving you struggling to recover from your case.
If you’re arrested for a drug offense, you need to know what to expect in the courtroom and the types of charges you may face.
Our team of experienced defense attorneys may be able to help you avoid conviction and the long-term stigma and penalties that come with it. Contact Crowell Law Offices for a thorough case evaluation if you’re facing any of the following drug charges.
Drug Possession in Sacramento
When a person is convicted of simple possession, he or she is simply in possession of the controlled substance. The prosecutor doesn’t need to prove that the person actually used the drug or that they were planning to sell it.
Penalties for simple possession vary. Many first-time and nonviolent offenders are sentenced to probation and ordered to attend drug counseling. However, defendants who have prior convictions for drug possession or other crimes often face harsher penalties like longer prison sentences, depending on the details of the drug crime they’re accused of.
Possession with the Intent to Sell
A conviction for possession with intent to sell is much more serious than simple possession. At this point, your defense lawyer’s job becomes complex because the amount of drugs may have been higher, and disproving other signs of an intent to sell can be tough. For example, you may have been carrying cash on you the prosecution may point to as evidence of sales.
Being convicted could bring significantly harsher penalties. For example, a defendant convicted of possession with intent to sell could face years in prison. Because of this, it’s key to talk with a lawyer about your charges and take action.
Transportation and Manufacture Charges
Although drug trafficking is usually prosecuted as a state crime, it can also be prosecuted at the federal level if there’s evidence that the crime crossed state lines or involved a large quantity of drugs. Being arrested for the transportation or manufacture of drugs can lead to mandatory minimums in federal prison.
The manufacture of drugs includes growing, harvesting, and manufacturing illegal substances. These substances may include marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. The process can involve a wide range of activities from simple gardening to sophisticated chemistry.
Trafficking involves transporting drugs from one location to another for sale or distribution. Trafficking doesn’t require that any money be exchanged, It simply means transporting illegal substances across state lines or international borders with the intent to sell.
Seek Help with a Sacramento Drug Offense
Being arrested for a drug crime can have far-reaching consequences for the rest of your life. A criminal record can affect your personal reputation and professional endeavors, both now and in the future.
If you have been arrested for any of these common drug offenses in Sacramento, call us to discuss how we can help. Regardless of the type of charge you are facing, your best chance for a successful defense is with experienced legal counsel. Contact Crowell Law Offices by calling 916-303-2800 or by completing the following online contact form.
