For a very long time, there has been a large-scale "war on drugs" in America. As a result, there has been an overzealous and aggressive system of arrests and prosecutions aimed at individuals that are accused of use, sale, possession, or distribution of any substance not legally in their possession. Because of this, anyone accused of a crime involving drugs needs an aggressive and experienced drug defense attorney on their side.
What is considered a drug crime?
While drug crimes can range from simple possession of a small amount of marijuana to large-scale drug trafficking schemes, there are a couple of drug crimes that are brought through the criminal system more often than others. However, it is not only so-called hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and LSD that are considered illegal drugs under the law. Misusing or distributing prescription drugs can also be charged as a drug crime.
Common drug crimes include:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession for sale of narcotics
- Under the influence of a controlled substance
- Sale or transportation of a controlled substance
- Manufacturing drugs and narcotics
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
The penalties for each of these drug crimes will differ depending on the type and amount of the drug involved, whether it involved a minor or a restricted area, and other factors. In the November 2014 election, California voters opted to enact Proposition 47, which reduces the felony convictions of some small-time drug crimes to misdemeanors and allows many of those convicted of crimes to face reduced or even eliminated jail sentences.
If you or a loved one have been accused of a drug crime in Ventura, you need to know that you have the right person protecting your interests. The installation of Proposition 47 is not enough to prevent someone accused of a drug crime from facing serious legal repercussions.
As a former criminal prosecutor, The Law Offices of Adam L. Pearlman knows the tactics that can be used against you and is prepared to fight against them!