Drug Crimes

What are Drug Crimes?

A drug crime is a criminal offense involving the possession, sale, or distribution of an illegal controlled substance.  In the state of California, the following drugs are considered illegal:  marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin, LSD, and unauthorized prescription medications, such as oxycontin.  Commonly committed drug crimes include:

• Drug possession
• Drug trafficking
• Drug manufacturing
• Drug possession with intent to sell
• Drug distribution
• Drug cultivation
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Selling drug paraphernalia
• Unauthorized prescriptions  

Drug crimes are punishable by both state and federal laws and are prosecuted to the fullest extent.  Once a person has been charged with a drug crime, he/she needs to hire a criminal defense attorney who has a proven track record of defending drug crime cases.  In some cases, a skilled attorney can work closely with prosecutors to have certain drug crime charges reduced or dismissed.  Additionally, a drug crime attorney may be able to negotiate with district attorneys so that the defendant can attend rehabilitative treatment instead of spending time in jail.    

Drug Crimes & Legal Penalties

The legal penalties for a drug crime conviction will depend upon several factors, such as:  the defendant’s prior criminal history, the type of crime committed, the type of drug under possession, the amount of drug under possession, if the defendant solicited to minors, and if the defendant has prior drug convictions.  If a person is convicted of a drug crime, he/she may be subject to jail time, fines, community service, probation, mandatory rehabilitation, and legal fees.  Additionally, the person will have a damaged criminal record, which will adversely affect the person’s future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. 

Contact an Orange County & Irvine Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a drug crime in Orange County, you will need reliable, aggressive legal representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney.  The Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry has successfully handled a vast array of drug crime cases for clients in Orange County and surrounding areas.  At the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, each client’s case is considered a priority.  Criminal Defense Lawyer, Virginia L. Landry, aims to provide each of her clients with upstanding legal advice and dependable resources.