Redwood City Drug Possession Attorney
Navigating drug possession charges in Redwood City, CA, isn’t a task you should tackle alone. While it may not sound as serious as other types of charges, there are instances where a conviction could lead to significant time in jail or even state prison.
Contacting experienced legal help as soon as possible is crucial for building your defense and mitigating potential negative outcomes. At Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law, our Redwood City drug possession lawyers have successfully handled thousands of cases.
For help with a drug charge in Redwood City, California, Contact our law office at (650) 299-0500 to set up a free, no-risk consultation.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law Can Help if You’re Arrested for Drug Possession in Redwood City
Being arrested for drug possession in Redwood City may not sound like a big deal, but any criminal charge carries significant penalties and should be taken seriously. The first step you should take is to contact an experienced Redwood City drug crimes lawyer as soon as possible.
Look no further than Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law. We have 30 years of combined experience and are qualified to help you with any type of drug-related charges. Here’s how we can help you:
Investigate and Review Evidence
We will undergo a thorough investigation and careful evaluation of the gathered evidence. We also scrutinize all the aspects of a defendant’s arrest – from reviewing police procedures to testing the accuracy and legality of obtained evidence.
Negotiate With Prosecutor
We leverage our experience and skills to fight for reduced sentences or alternative programs, such as negotiating your entry into a pre-trial diversion program that can lead to the dismissal of your charges upon successful completion.
Represent You at Trial
If negotiations cannot deliver the result you’d like and a trial becomes necessary, we will provide comprehensive courtroom representation. Our attorneys prepare dynamic defense strategies and work towards creating reasonable doubt.
If you’re facing drug possession charges in Redwood City, California, we’re here to help. Contact our criminal defense law firm today to schedule a free case review.
Overview of Drug Possession in California
Drug possession laws in California are governed by Health and Safety Code Section 11350, which declares it unlawful for any person to be found in possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription or legal justification. Examples of controlled substances include heroin, Fentanyl, LSD, benzodiazepines, and other types of illicit substances or prescription medications.
To be convicted, prosecutors must demonstrate the following three components beyond a reasonable doubt.
Possession
The first condition refers to whether you were in physical control of a controlled substance. Possession can mean more than just having the drug on your person – it could also mean having it stored somewhere personal, such as in your car or home. This is known as constructive possession.
Knowledge
Next, the prosecution must be able to convincingly show that you were aware you possessed a controlled substance. This means proving intentional illegal behavior rather than unknowing or accidental possession.
Usable Quantity
Finally, the prosecution must provide evidence that the amount of the substance you possessed is considered usable. Small quantities may be viewed as ‘usable’ if there is enough of it to have any form of narcotic effect or for testing purposes.
The complexities of drug possession charges make it crucial for you to have an experienced attorney by your side.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in Redwood City, California?
In Redwood City, California, punishments for drug possession can vary greatly and often depend on several factors, such as the amount of drugs in possession, previous convictions, and type of controlled substance involved, among others. These factors will also determine whether the charge is a misdemeanor or felony.
Misdemeanor Possession Charges
If you’re charged with a misdemeanor for drug possession in California, the penalties can include:
- Up to one year in jail
- Fines of up to $1,000
- Probation, which may have conditions like community service or mandatory drug counseling
The exact penalties that will be imposed will vary depending on your specific circumstances.
Felony Possession Charges
Charges escalate to a felony when there is a significant amount of drugs in your possession, or if certain factors are present—such as previous drug convictions. In these cases, penalties can include:
- 16 months, two years, or three years in a California state prison
- Fines of up to $10,000
- Probation
Given the potential severity of felony drug possession charges, always speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Diversion Programs
The court often offers diversion programs, particularly for first-time offenders. These structured programs may involve:
- Mandatory drug treatment
- Counseling sessions
- Randomly administered drug tests
- Work requirements
Once the program is successfully completed, charges can be dismissed in full. This drastically reduces the long-term impacts of a possession charge and helps individuals with issues of substance abuse seek the help they need.
If you are facing a drug possession charge in Redwood City, California, you don’t have to face it alone.
What Defenses Can I Raise Against My Drug Possession Charges in Redwood City?
When facing a drug possession charge, there may be several potential defense strategies available depending on your specific situation:
No Possession
Your lawyer may argue that you were not in actual control of the substance. For instance, if the drugs were found someplace public, like a shared automobile or common area where multiple people had access, this defense may be valid.
No Usable Quantity
If the quantity discovered was trace level or not enough to be considered usable, this would be insufficient for a possession conviction.
Violation of Constitutional Rights
Your legal counsel might challenge your arrest or the subsequent search that led to the drug discovery, claiming it violated your constitutional rights. An unlawful search and seizure, for example, could lead to a successful motion to suppress, which could lead to an acquittal or dismissal of charges.
Every case is unique, and the particular defense that will be the most effective varies.
If you’re facing a drug possession charge in Redwood City, CA, don’t attempt to navigate the criminal justice system on your own. The road to legal resolution can be complex, but having experienced lawyers guiding you every step of the way will ease this burden.
For legal advice and defense strategies, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Attorneys at Law, to schedule a free consultation with a Redwood City drug possession attorney.