Have you been charged with drug crimes in Sunnyvale, California? Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys has in-depth experience handling drug cases and will fight to protect your rights from day one. Contact our legal team at (650) 299-0500 to schedule a free consultation with a Sunnyvale drug crimes lawyer.
We have over 35 years of combined experience and a proven track record of defending clients against even the most serious drug charges. We understand the local courts, know how prosecutors build their cases, and are committed to developing a strong, personalized defense strategy tailored to your situation.
How Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys Can Help If You’re Arrested for Drug Crimes in Sunnyvale, CA
Being arrested for a drug offense in Sunnyvale can be overwhelming, but our attorneys are ready to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
When you hire us to represent you, we will:
- Examine whether the police had a legal reason to stop and search you, and challenge any evidence obtained through illegal search or seizure.
- Help you understand your options, whether it’s fighting the charges, seeking diversion programs, or negotiating for treatment instead of jail time.
- Gather records, lab results, and possible witness statements that might show the drugs did not belong to you or were misidentified.
- Represent you in court and ensure your constitutional rights are protected
Having a Sunnyvale criminal defense lawyer who understands how these charges work can significantly increase your chances of a favorable outcome. Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
Overview of Drug Crimes in California
California law treats drug crimes seriously, and the specific charges against you can affect the penalties you’re facing as well as how you defend your case. Below is an overview of common drug offenses in California:
Simple Possession
Simple possession means police allege you had possession of a controlled substance, but there’s no sign you were planning to share or sell it. This often involves small amounts of drugs for personal use. Officers look at how much you had, how it was stored, and whether you also had things like scales or baggies.
It’s possible to be charged with possession even if the drugs aren’t physically on your person. For example, if they were in your house or the glove box of your car, you could be charged with possessing the substance.
Possession With Intent to Sell
Possession with intent to sell focuses on what you planned to do with the drugs. If police or prosecutors find a large quantity of drugs, cash, packaging materials, or evidence of transactions, they can argue that you intended to sell. These charges can be based on this circumstantial evidence and don’t have to involve the police actually observing you sell drugs.
Manufacturing a Controlled Substance
Manufacturing a controlled substance covers any activity related to making illegal drugs. This can be as direct as operating a lab or as indirect as buying certain chemicals needed to make the finished product. The law looks at your involvement in the process at any stage: creating, processing, or preparing the drug. Even having equipment or ingredients used in manufacturing can lead to this charge.
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is about the movement and transfer of illegal substances, either within California or across state lines. You do not have to be a major supplier—just carrying drugs for someone else or working with others to move drugs can count as trafficking.
No matter what type of drug charge you’re facing, the best thing you can do is reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible.
What Are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in Sunnyvale, California?
The punishment for drug crimes in Sunnyvale depends on a few main things: the type of drug involved, how much was found, and exactly what you are accused of doing. For example, having a small amount for personal use is seen as less serious than selling, trafficking, or manufacturing drugs.
Possible penalties include:
Jail or Prison
Many drug cases can lead to time in jail or state prison. For misdemeanors, sentences are served in county jail and are shorter. Felony charges, especially those linked to sales, manufacturing, or trafficking, can result in years or even decades in state prison.
Probation
Instead of sending someone to jail, the court may order probation. This means you can stay out of jail as long as you follow strict rules set by the judge. These conditions might include meeting with a probation officer, regular drug tests, doing community service, or attending counseling.
Fines
Most drug convictions also come with fines. The amount can be several hundred dollars for minor cases or much higher if the charge is a felony or involves a large amount or more dangerous kinds of drugs.
Drug Treatment and Diversion
For some first-time offenders or people with addiction problems, the court might allow drug treatment and diversion programs instead of jail. This can include counseling, rehab programs, or drug education classes. Finishing these programs often leads to your charges being dismissed and you not having a criminal record.
The best way to learn more about the penalties you could be facing is to speak with your lawyer.
What Defenses Can Be Raised If I’m Arrested for Drug Crimes?
Drug charges are serious, but there are defenses that can be raised to help you fight back.
Here are some common ones:
Illegal Search and Seizure
Police must follow strict rules when searching your car, home, or body for drugs. If they search without a valid warrant, consent, or probable cause, any evidence they find can sometimes be thrown out. Your lawyer can review police reports, body camera footage, and the circumstances of the search to see if your rights were violated.
Lack of Knowledge or Possession
The law requires that you knew about the drugs and had control over them. Sometimes drugs are found in shared spaces, like a car or apartment, but you might not have known they were there. Witness statements, location of the drugs, and your relationship to the area or others involved can help build this defense.
Lab Errors or Chain of Custody Issues
Prosecutors must prove that what was found was actually an illegal substance. Sometimes, there are mistakes in lab testing, or the evidence isn’t tracked correctly from the scene to the courtroom. Confusion over who handled the drugs or errors in paperwork can cast doubt on the case. Your attorney can review lab reports, cross-check timelines, and question lab technicians or officers to raise these issues.
Entrapment
Entrapment is when police push someone into committing a crime they wouldn’t have done on their own. If undercover officers pressured or convinced you to break the law, you have a right to use this defense. Your lawyer would need to show that the idea and pressure for the crime came from the police, not you.
The right defense will depend on the specifics of your case, and your attorney will make the decision they think gives you the best chance of beating your charges.
Drug charges carry serious risks, and being accused can affect your freedom, reputation, and long-term future. The law takes these cases seriously, and every detail matters in how your case is handled. Knowing your rights and the exact type of charge you are up against can give you a better idea of what steps to take next.
The most important thing you can do is to contact a lawyer as soon as possible so they can begin working on your defense. Contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys to schedule a free consultation with a Sunnyvale drug crimes attorney.