Santa Ana Drug Crime Attorney

Drug crimes are prosecuted aggressively and usually carry severe penalties. Many drug offenses can result in felony charges and a significant prison sentence. In California, avoiding a felony conviction is imperative, as the "three strikes" law can suddenly leave you facing a prison sentence of decades or even life. Even misdemeanor charges can result in jail time, along with probation, fines, community service, mandatory drug counseling and more. A Santa Ana criminal defense lawyer can investigate your case and determine the best defense based on your specific circumstances. This may be based on rights violations, procedural errors, your lack of awareness of the presence of drugs in your vicinity or any number of factors. Enlisting the help of a legal professional to fight for the reduction or dismissal of your charges or an acquittal is the wisest action you can take when confronted with drug charges.

Types of Drug Charges

Our firm will battle relentlessly for the best possible outcome in your case and can help you when you are facing charges relating to:

Possession Drug possession can result in serious penalties including fines and imprisonment. The punishment ordered if you are convicted will depend on the type of drug involved and your criminal history. Even being in possession of drug paraphernalia can result in a drug possession charge. Possession with intent to sell is a felony punishable by up to 3 years in prison for a first offense. Read about possession...

Transportation Drug transportation charges also carry heavy penalties, which will vary depending on the type and amount of drug involved, the magnitude of the transportation operation and the distance the drug was transported. Felony charges apply and demand representation by a skilled legal team. Click here to learn more about transportation...

Distribution Drug distribution is most often charged as a felony and a conviction can result in a prison sentence of up to 5 years for a first offense. Sentencing will be affected by the type and amount of drugs involved and can also be influenced by aggravating factors such as distribution to minors or near a school. Read more about distribution...

Cultivation Drug cultivation consists of planting, growing or caring for seeds or plants which are used to make illegal drugs. Although this most often refers to marijuana, any circumstances which satisfy that definition can result in charges against you. Cultivation is a felony offense which can result in 3 years in prison, although this will be greatly increased for subsequent offenses. Learn about cultivation...

Medical Marijuana Medical marijuana laws in California have been subject to much review and change. If you are facing charges in relation to this subject, contact our firm for legal advice and assistance. We can help you understand your legal rights and determine your best course of action. Read more about medical marijuana...

Legal Help When You Are Facing Drug Charges

For dedicated legal representation backed by extensive experience and an unmatched command of the criminal justice system, talk to our legal team. Mr. Schaffer has been practicing criminal law in Orange County since 1994. His background includes training Deputy District Attorneys in all aspects of trial practice, evidence, voir dire, direct and cross examination, opening, closing and more. Many of his cases were high profile cases covered by the media and requiring the utmost legal expertise. The reputation he has built with all District Attorney and Orange County Superior Court staff over the course of nearly two decades is a great advantage when defending clients. Our firm offers a free consultation and is here to help you in any way we can.

Contact a Santa Ana drug crime lawyer when you are facing drug charges for help avoiding conviction and its consequences.