Get a Drug Charge Defense Attorney in San Diego County

Drug-related charges make up a significant percentage of criminal cases in state and federal courts. In California, these cases are considered serious crimes and often have harsh sentences, even for first-time offenders. You need a drug offense legal expert on your side. 

At Neal Gibbons Attorney at Law, we understand that waging legal battles can be taxing, especially when your freedom is at stake. It may be challenging, but we are here to show our clients they can rely on our seasoned drug charge defense attorney in San Diego County for legal advice and representation. 

Receive practical solutions for real-life legal problems from a knowledgeable defense attorney in San Diego County. Get in touch with us today to schedule your no-obligation consultation. 

Important Facts About Drug Cases

Ignorance of the law is not an excuse. Our drug offense legal expert in San Diego County has compiled salient information that every citizen should know about substance abuse cases.

Types of Drug Charges

California’s Penal Code defines numerous drug offenses for which one can be prosecuted and convicted. Cases can be as simple as possessing illegal substances or as grave as manufacturing and distributing prohibited drugs. Possible charges for violators include:

  • Possession of Cocaine
  • Possession of Meth
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance
  • Manufacturing Drugs or Narcotics
  • Transportation or Sale of Controlled Substances
  • Possession of Controlled Substances for Sale
  • Prescription Drug Crimes
  • Counterfeit Drug Offenses
  • Operating a Drug House
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Juvenile Drug Offenses
  • Driving Under the Influence of Drugs

Having a knowledgeable lawyer in difficult times like this is crucial. It’s best to hire a legal professional as soon as possible to know how you should move forward with your case. A drug offense legal expert can help you understand what you are being charged with, ensure a fair investigation of your case, and create a strong defense.

Injured Employee Visiting a Lawyer

Drug Schedules

In California, charges are further classified into schedules. This system groups different drugs according to their potency, as well as their potential for abuse, addiction, and medical use. Those under Schedule I are commonly abused substances, while those under the Schedule V category are less likely to be used for illicit activities.

  • Schedule I Drugs (examples: heroin, ecstasy, methaqualone, peyote, and LSD): These substances have a high potential for abuse and addiction and are also not accepted for medical use.
  • Schedule II Drugs (examples: Dexedrine, Adderall, Ritalin, cocaine, methadone, hydromorphone, meperidine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and methamphetamine): These drugs are considered dangerous and pose serious risks to one’s health and well-being.
  • Schedule III Drugs (examples: testosterone, Tylenol with codeine, anabolic steroids, and ketamine): These drugs only pose moderate risks for physical and psychological dependence.
  • Schedule IV (examples: Valium and Xanax): These drugs have low potential for abuse and dependence.
  • Schedule V drugs (examples: Lomotil and Robitussin): These drugs have a lower potential for abuse and dependence than Schedule IV medications and only contain limited amounts of certain narcotics.

There are also other factors to be considered when it comes to the abuse of marijuana. Under California’s criminal law, penalties depend on the amount of drug consumed, where the crime was committed, and the offender’s age during their arrest.

As legal issues get more complex, it may seem impossible to clear accusations or get an acquittal. At Neal Gibbons Attorney at Law, we help you get back on track. Our drug charge defense attorney uses their extensive resources to get the best possible outcome for your case. From start to end, we are here to fight for you.

Common Penalties for Drug Offenses

Like any other crime, there are varying penalties for drug charges, which are determined by the circumstances, the severity of the offense, and the criminal record of the accused. If a person has been convicted of drug crimes, these are the following sanctions they might face:

  • Detention in a county jail or prison
  • Payment of significant fines
  • Permanent criminal record as a drug offender
  • Ineligibility for federal financial aid for college
  • Disqualification from applying for a job
  • Ineligibility from obtaining a professional license
  • Suspension or revocation of professional license
  • Inability to obtain an immigration visa, green card, or American citizenship
  • Cancellation of existing visa or green card and possible deportation
  • Ineligibility to rent a house or an apartment

Having a drug charge defense attorney could make all the difference in the result of your case. They could help prove your innocence or negotiate for a lighter sentence—like serving probation or undergoing drug rehabilitation—instead of detention in jail. You can rest assured that you have a knowledgeable and experienced legal professional on your side, fighting for your rights and interests.

Schedule a No-Obligation Legal Consultation

Put our attorney’s extensive knowledge about the law and his 30+ years of experience in handling drug offenses to work for you. For more information about our services, get in touch with us today at Neal Gibbons Attorney at Law.