If you have a criminal, DUI, or traffic offense charge pending, you undoubtedly have questions. Browse through the questions that most clients have when they contact our office to discuss their case. Please understand these are general questions and we cannot answer your specific questions until we know your case. If you would like to get answers on your case, contact us today for a free appointment.
Drug crimes are complex and there are a wide variety of drug cases in Fresno. Law enforcement and prosecutors receive specialized training when handling drug offenses. Because drug crimes always involve a search and seizure, there are constitutional issues regarding each search and seizure that can render evidence against you inadmissible.
The most common types of drugs are marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, hashish, oxycodone, vicodin, codeine and methamphetamine. You can also be charged with prescription drug abuse or unlawful possession of prescription medication.
Drug charges can be misdemeanor or felony charges, or even infractions, depending on the illegal substance and the quantity. Common charges are:
There are numerous defenses when a person is accused of a drug case, including possession, sales, or transportation.
The punishments for a conviction vary widely. The new Proposition 47 has made numerous changes to criminal drug charges.
On the other hand, there are still stiff penalties for drug convictions. In order to avoid jail or prison, you may have to find alternative sentencing programs available to drug offenders. Because these programs are difficult to receive, you should contact a criminal lawyer that handles drug offenses because there are important steps that must be completed in order for you to even qualify for these programs.
Additionally, if you are planning on attending college or any higher education in the future, you may not be able to do so if you are convicted of certain drug crimes.
When completing your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you will be required to disclose your felony or misdemeanor drug conviction. When you answer “yes” to the question of whether you received a drug conviction, you may find that you do not qualify for student aid or even student loans.
By contacting a criminal lawyer before you enter a plea of guilt, your chances of receiving a criminal drug conviction may decrease so that it is possible these drug charges will not affect your eligibility for federal student aid.
If you are convicted of a drug crime, you may suffer the following consequences:
When facing criminal drug charges, do not wait until you are in court to speak to a criminal attorney. There are so many adverse consequences that the first thing you should do is contact an attorney in Fresno to see how you can defend these charges. Even if you believe that you are guilty of the drug charges, there may be ways to negotiate a plea that will not result in the problems you will face in the future.
There are many alternatives to prison or jail, but it requires an experienced and creative criminal defense lawyer to find those alternatives and defenses. If you are charged criminally with any drug crime, contact a criminal attorney to discuss your case for free.
