Santa Ana Criminal Defense Lawyer

About Drug Distribution

Distribution is a drug crime which pertains to the sale, transportation or delivery of a controlled substance, when you are not legally permitted to do so. This offense can be charged for traffic inside the U.S. or abroad and includes pharmaceutical drugs as well. The major difference between distribution and the crime of drug trafficking is that the former usually involves lesser amounts of narcotics.

No matter the amount involved in your distribution charge, prosecutors will work hard for your conviction and to enforce stiff sentencing penalties. In California, transporting a controlled substance can be punished by a term in state prison of 3-9 years. In addition, conviction can result in loss of professional certificates, costly fines, probation, being barred from certain employment opportunities, a permanent criminal record and other punishments.

Many ways exist to aggressively defend drug charges. It takes, however, a knowledgeable Santa Ana criminal defense attorney to bring about the favorable outcome you desire. Mr. Schaffer is a former Senior Orange County Deputy District Attorney, having served in the DA's office for 18 years. This allows our firm to have the unique perspective of knowing both sides of the criminal justice system and understand what prosecutor's and law enforcement will do to convict you.

Coming to Your Defense

The extent of the penalties in a drug distribution case will depend upon the type of drug involved, if the distribution was across county lines or to another country and the quantities being distributed. If minors are connected with the case, the court will seriously consider this factor in sentencing.

The defense of a drug charge case frequently begins with attacking the legality of the search and seizure that lead to an arrest. There are constitutional procedures that must be adhered to in order for the evidence against you to have been legally gathered. At times, law enforcement steps outside these guidelines. When this occurs we use our experience to take advantage of improper police actions to either get the case against you dropped or the charges reduced. Where possible, we strive to bring your case to a successful conclusion without going to trial. Please don't hesitate to call, your freedoms are at stake.

Contact a Santa Ana drug crime lawyer to learn how drug distribution charges can be defended.