When a drug is under a person’s care, custody, or control, they may be charged with possession. The drug could be on their person, in his or her vehicle, or his or her home. Regardless of the specific circumstances, anyone charged with possessing a controlled substance should consider retaining a dedicated San Leandro drug possession lawyer for help in building a strong criminal defense. Call today and set up a consultation with an accomplished drug attorney.
There are various ways someone could be found possessing an illegal drug in San Leandro. The most common examples are:
There are numerous controlled substances that are considered illegal to possess. Some of the most common drugs to possess in San Leandro are heroin, cocaine, PCP, methamphetamine, and less frequently, marijuana or concentrated cannabis.
Simple possession of drugs is generally treated as a misdemeanor, and many crimes involving more substantial quantities of marijuana or simple possession of controlled substances such as cocaine and prescription drugs can be resolved by way of a collaborative court. Most jurisdictions have a drug court where a person caught in possession of a drug can go to a class or treatment, and his or her simple possession charge is dismissed. Alameda County also has an early intervention court that is targeted towards young offenders.
The penalties for possessing illegal drugs in San Leandro vary from incarceration to drug treatment. Unless a person is convicted of selling drugs or being in possession with the intent to sell, has prior offenses, or has a firearm with them, he or she does not go to prison. Even if he or she does serve time, he or she serves in a local county jail. If a person has no record and is found in possession of drugs for his or her own use, he or she does not go to jail and most likely go to a drug program through the court. A skilled drug possession lawyer in San Leandro could help one avoid these penalties.
The prime factors that might affect the seriousness of a drug possession charge are whether the drug is being possessed for someone’s own personal use or is for sale. If someone possesses drugs for his or her own personal use, that is generally not considered serious. However, someone who possesses drugs with the intent to distribute is considered much more severe and may lead to more significant penalties.
Alternative sentencing programs are available for people charged with drug possession for the first time. For something like methamphetamine or cocaine, a defendant may be allowed to go to treatment and have his or her charges dismissed. A San Leandro drug possession lawyer may be able to negotiate with prosecutors to avoid jail time for a simple possession charge.
When an American citizen is convicted of drug possession, he or she faces the possibility of prison. The stigma of a conviction changes his or her life. For instance, it is more difficult to obtain employment or keep a driver’s license. When an individual is not an American citizen, they face deportation and permanent exclusion from the United States.
With the consequences of a conviction in mind, consider reaching out to a San Leandro drug possession lawyer if you have been arrested or are facing charges. An experienced attorney who understands the criminal justice system could build a strong defense and mitigate the damage of your arrest.
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.
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Case Dismissed after Completion of Drug Court
All Charges Dismissed and Property Ordered to be Returned to Client
Deferred Entry of Judgment
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed without Trial
Motion to Vacate Granted
Restraining Order Denied and Sealed
Both Cases Dismissed Prior to Trial
No Charges Filed
No Criminal Charges Filed & Detention
No Jail Time & No Sex Offender Registration
Pled to 1 Petty Misdemeanor and Not Required to Register as Sex Offender
