Norwalk Drug Crimes Attorney
Drug crime laws are constantly evolving. The same drug crime charge in Norwalk today may yield a much harsher penalty than just a few years ago. If you or a loved one is being accused of a drug crime in Los Angeles County, it is imperative that you contact a Norwalk drug crimes lawyer from the start. With the help of a seasoned criminal defense attorney, what could be a decade-long felony sentence may be reduced to a misdemeanor or even dismissed.
The passionate legal team at Shield Law, APC, has a track record of successfully defending clients in Southern California against punitive drug crimes charges and convictions. Everyone has the right to fair legal representation. We approach drug crime defense through a strategic lens, removing judgment from the situation and sticking to the facts of the case.
Our Norwalk Drug Crimes Lawyer Delivers Results in Your Case
At Shield Law, APC, our seasoned trial attorney does not leave your drug case to chance. We leverage our years of practice in court and tactful negotiation with the LA County prosecutors to secure the most optimal outcome in your drug-related case.
Our attorney works diligently to review the evidence in your case, including search warrants and police reports, and they can spotlight any errors in your arrest or violation of your rights that can allow them to challenge the evidence against you.
Whether negotiating a plea or dismissal of charges, we aggressively advocate for your interests while representing you in court. You are kept in the loop from start to finish, placing you in the driver’s seat of your legal defense.
Drug Crime Charges and Consequences in LA County
Drug crime charges in California are broken down based on the action (consumption, selling, and trafficking), and penalties for drug crimes are typically related to the type of drug found during an investigation, as well as other aggravating factors in the case, such as selling to a minor.
Drug crimes in California include:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession for sale
- Drug trafficking, including transportation
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
These and other drug crimes under the California Health and Safety Code (HSC) can result in steep fines and lengthy prison sentences if you are not adequately represented in court.
A first-time illegal possession of a controlled substance charge can lead to one year in a county jail and a fine. With a charge of possession to sell, the sentence can be 2-4 years of imprisonment, and a drug trafficking conviction can lead to 9 years in prison if the trafficking involves transporting controlled substances between two or more non-bordering counties within California.
According to the Federal Bureau of Prisons, 43.4% of the total prison population across the U.S. is serving time for a drug-related offense.
Working with an attorney who has a deep knowledge of the various kinds of drug charges can make a significant difference in a case, as they can work to disprove specific elements in a charge and secure a reduced charge so you can avoid harsh penalties.
What Happens After a Drug Crime Arrest
Law enforcement and prosecutors in California continue to take an aggressive stance against illegal drug activity in the state. In 2023, there were 19,336 felony arrests for drug offenses in the state. Unfortunately, aggressive drug crime policing may lead to overcharging in certain cases or even arrests based on minimal evidence.
To ensure that your arrest does not result in a conviction or a lengthy jail or prison sentence, you should contact a criminal defense attorney immediately after your arrest. You have the right to remain silent, and you should not speak with law enforcement without the presence of an attorney.
An attorney can work with the prosecution to obtain a reduced sentence that can include probation, small fines, community service, and participation in a drug program. Once you complete your sentence or if drug charges have been dropped or you have been acquitted, a knowledgeable attorney can guide you on the steps you need to take to have your criminal record expunged, if eligible.
FAQs
It is possible for a first-time drug offender to go to jail in California. In many cases, a defendant may be allowed to participate in one of several drug court programs for first-time and non-violent offenders, which lets them participate in a drug treatment program instead of facing jail time.
Who investigates drug crimes in Los Angeles County may vary. Cases can be investigated by local police, which would be the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office and its Norwalk Sheriff’s Station. In certain cases, local authorities may collaborate with a special task force, like the Overdose Response Task, which works closely with federal agencies, including the DEA.
Penalties for drug charges vary depending on the specific drug charge. In many cases, a simple drug possession charge can lead to one year in county jail or probation and required participation in a drug court program. A drug trafficking charge carries a minimum of 3 years in state prison.
Yes, it is possible to get a drug charge expunged in California. Charges that do not lead to conviction are expungable. There were more than 8.4 million arrest records expunged in California between July 1 and December 31, 2022, with nearly 1.7 million in Los Angeles County.
Most misdemeanor convictions can be automatically dismissed. Requests for expungement of felony convictions can also be granted through the court after a certain time following the completion of a sentence.
Schedule a Consultation With a Trusted Norwalk Drug Crimes Lawyer
One simple mistake should not lead to life-altering consequences. Drug crime laws in Norwalk are not always simple to understand. Whether you are being investigated for a drug crime or have already been arrested, it is time to take your future into your own hands with the assistance of a trusted criminal defense attorney.
When you work with our knowledgeable drug crimes lawyer at Shield Law, APC, we assist you in resolving your case with confidence. Schedule a confidential consultation today.