There are no shortage of news stories involving drugs and related criminal charges in San Leandro and across the state of California. While many of those stories may seem far removed from the norm, drug charges are more common than many people may think. In fact, the State of California prosecutes the largest number of drug charges in the country. En Español.
While any criminal charge can be intimidating, accusations of drug crimes can be especially challenging to manage without a criminal attorney’s help. If you find yourself facing drug-related charges, a San Leandro drug lawyer could be an important part of your defense against those allegations.
Depending on the circumstances, drug charges can take a variety of different forms, including but not limited to:
Even with new laws recently legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in California, it is still possible to run afoul of the state’s drug laws or encounter federal drug charges. When that happens, an experienced drug lawyer in San Leandro may be able to help.
There are many factors that must be considered when discussing the potential consequences of a drug crime conviction. Some drug-related offenses qualify and are only charged as misdemeanors, while others are felonies that carry severe and long-lasting penalties. Often, the distinction between classifications of drug crimes depends heavily on the circumstances surrounding the charge.
In some cases, drug charges could require registration as a narcotics offender under Health and Safety Code §11590. This registration allows law enforcement to monitor the whereabouts of individuals convicted of certain drug crimes. The registration requirement terminates five years after the discharge from prison, release from jail or termination of probation or parole of the person convicted and applies to those convicted of the enumerated crimes listed in HS §11590.
Drug charges could have a significant impact on future employment prospects, as well as educational opportunities. For this reason and many others, it could be important to take a thorough approach in exploring all the options that might be available in establishing your defense.
California drug charges are not limited to California residents. In fact, it is possible to request extradition of a defendant to California to face charges. Furthermore, there may be unintended consequences from various aspects of a conviction for drug charges. For instance, when drug charges are the result of a warrant on private property, that property could be confiscated and forfeited if drugs are found. In other words, it is possible for someone to lose their home as a result of a drug-related conviction in San Leandro. The government can make a request to freeze the assets of the accused unless and until a showing is made that those assets are unrelated to the drug charges.
In addition to those considerations, mitigating or aggravating circumstances could play a role in the potential consequences of a conviction. Mitigating circumstances could include the charge being the first an individual is facing, while aggravating circumstances could involve the use of force or a weapon in relation to the charge or additional criminal charges unrelated to the underlying drug charges.
Drug charges are often accompanied by burdensome consequences but seasoned attorneys understand the important nuances in the law and how those might apply to your circumstances. While drug charges can certainly be intimidating, knowing that you do not have to face them alone could be helpful. If you are facing drug-related charges, call today to see how a San Leandro drug lawyer could work with you and advocate for your rights throughout the legal processes.
The Nieves Law Firm is dedicated to providing aggressive criminal defense representation to working professionals who have found themselves in trouble with the law. We show up to win, and we’re not afraid to fight aggressively to accomplish our client’s goals.
We understand that being accused of a crime can be a scary and confusing experience. That’s why we take the stress off our clients by handling the full scope of their legal situation from the initial consultation to the final outcome. Our bilingual attorneys and staff are here to ensure that our clients feel heard and understood every step of the way.
As one of the largest criminal defense teams in Oakland and the Greater Bay Area, we have the resources and experience to handle even the most complex cases. Our experienced team examines various aspects of your case and, perhaps most importantly, we genuinely care about our clients and their future. We take the time to learn about their goals and priorities so that we can achieve an outcome that allows them to move past their mistakes and focus on the future they want. When you work with us, you become part of our team.
Our skilled criminal defense attorneys have experience handling a wide range of criminal cases. With a deep understanding of the legal system and a track record of successful cases, our lawyers are committed to achieving the best possible outcome in your case.
When facing a criminal charge, having dedicated and experienced attorneys on your side is critical. At The Nieves Law Firm, we understand the gravity of your situation, and our criminal defense attorneys provide unwavering support and legal guidance.
From the moment you reach out to us, we prioritize your well-being and legal interests. Our criminal lawyers are with you every step of the way, from arrest to hearings and beyond, to ensure that your rights are protected. Whether you’re facing charges related to DUI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes or any other allegation, we have the knowledge and courtroom experience to fight vigorously on your behalf.
We believe in the power of collaboration and will actively involve you in the decision-making process, ensuring you are well-informed and empowered to make the best choices for your defense. Our goal is not only to navigate the legal complexities but also to provide you with the peace of mind and reassurance you deserve during this challenging time.
Give us a call or contact us online so we can schedule a meeting to discuss your legal needs.
Schedule a meeting with our intake coordinator so we can determine the best plan to solve your legal problems.
We work to resolve your legal problems so you can focus on what is most important