Drug Distribution

Regardless of where in the world you are from when someone says drug charges, it’s often always pretty serious. Drug crimes not only spell out harsh punishments for those found guilty if ever acquitted, drug charges on your record could have a negative impact on your job prospects and other future opportunities. 

Oftentimes when we think of drugs, we often associate it with illegal activity but even the possession of legal prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription qualifies as drug distribution and could land you with a drug charge.  If there are drug charges stacked up against you, you need the legal expertise of an Alameda drug distribution attorney. 

Our Alameda drug distribution attorney can fight for you and help you understand your constitutional rights if ever you are charged with drug distribution and other drug crimes. The drug defense attorney will evaluate and examine your case and fight for you in the courtroom to get the best outcome possible. 

A drug distribution attorney will use every technique in their arsenal to defend you in court and make sure that you get a favorable result. From offering legal counsel to signing a plea deal, an Alameda drug distribution attorney can do this for you, especially since plea bargains are great options in some cases. 

If you are facing drug distribution charges, do not go through it alone and don’t talk to the police about it. Get in touch with an Alameda, CA drug distribution attorney. The Law Offices of Andrew Dosa has an experienced criminal defense attorney on board. Our Alameda law firm also helps clients in other areas of law such as estate planning and personal injury on top of criminal law. 

So you found yourself facing serious drug distribution charges and you don’t know who to talk to. You’re tempted to just give up and talk to the cops. This may seem like quite the idea, but know that a drug distribution attorney in Alameda, CA is right within your reach.

You may be wondering why you need a drug distribution attorney in Alameda, CA? For one, the legal system is incredibly confusing to navigate one can make mistakes if they go through it alone. A drug distribution attorney can provide you with legal counsel that can help you understand your case and the penalties that come with it. 

A drug distribution attorney is also well-versed in matters involving drugs ranging from controlled substance possession to narcotics possession for sale, and even drug DUI charges. A criminal defense lawyer can also present you with the legal options you have for defending yourself in this case such as in the following circumstances: 

• The drugs found on you were prescribed 
• You were set up 
• You weren’t the owner of the illegal drugs.

The drug distribution attorneys are also knowledgeable in pinpointing police misbehavior and missteps and are also capable of negotiating with the criminal court to exclude certain evidence in the trial. Upon approval of the request, the judge is most likely going to dismiss the case. 

If you are in need of a competent defense attorney who will stand up for your rights, then look no further. Reach out to a drug distribution attorney in Alameda, CA for legal advice. With over 36 years in legal practice, the attorneys at The Law Offices of Andrew Dosa are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skill to ensure that your case’s outcome is one that is in your favor. 

What is a Drug Possession Charge in California?

The quantity and weight of the substance in a person’s possession may impact the severity of a drug possession prosecution. It includes whether it is in amounts suggestive of sales or exceeds any regulatory limitations. Scales, baggies, ledgers, and accounting for drug transactions are other items that would be considered part of drug distribution.

The severity of a charge is also determined by the drugs a person has. Methamphetamines, heroin, cocaine, and even some pharmaceuticals held without a valid prescription or sold for unlawful reasons are frequently included in the most severe accusations.

Even though marijuana is technically legal in California at the state level, some marijuana-related activities might result in significant repercussions, such as attempting to transfer substantial quantities outside of the state.

What Are the Potential Penalties Upon Drug Possession Conviction?

In California, getting caught with illicit narcotics carries harsh consequences. Hefty penalties may be imposed in addition to jail time. Additional consequences restrict where an individual may travel, who they can see, and what kinds of drugs they can have in their possession.

Other probation terms and conditions, including search and seizure provisions and forfeiture of any money or byproducts from the illegal selling of drugs, may be attached to it. A drug possession conviction may significantly influence a person’s life. Simple drug possession is a misdemeanor, typically associated with fears and stigmas surrounding drug addiction and misuse.

Possession with intent to sell transforms a self-inflicted crime into an offense which impacts the entire community. Felony convictions can make it challenging to get work, and some can result in deportation, rejection of citizenship, and denial of readmission.

For persons charged with drug possession for the first time, diversion or alternative sentencing programs are available. The majority of drug offenses have diversion programs outlined in the law. Drug treatment programs, continuous counseling, and ongoing drug testing are standard collaborative efforts for drug offenders.

Many of them, if successful, result in the charges being dropped and the arrest for drug possession being sealed. A skilled drug possession attorney in California from Dosa Law may be able to help you reduce your drug possession charges.

What Are the Common Defenses for a Drug Possession Charge in California?

It’s a severe thing to be charged with drug possession. A skilled drug possession attorney, on the other hand, can assist you in determining a compelling defense that relates to your situation. A seasoned drug possession attorney from Dosa Law can employ the following typical defenses.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

If you were charged with unlawfully searching for drugs, your charges would most likely be dropped. For example, if a cop pulled you over for a traffic infraction opened your trunk without your consent, and discovered drugs, the evidence can’t be utilized.

Entrapment

Entrapment occurs when a police officer persuades a suspect to commit a crime they would not otherwise have committed. It is also considered entrapment when a police officer convinces someone to deliver drugs to someone else during a party.

Drugs Did Not Belong to Me

A drug possession attorney might utilize this as a defense if the drugs detected do not belong to you. For example, if a cop pulls you over and discovers narcotics in your car that belong to a buddy, you may claim that you had no idea they were there.

Drugs Were Planted

Unfortunately, police officers have been accused of planting drugs on people and then arresting them. If you feel this has occurred to you, your drug possession attorney can obtain a copy of the officer’s complaint file and interview the persons who have filed complaints accusing them of drug planting. However, remember that this defense may be challenging to establish because a police officer’s testimony carries a lot of weight.

Faulty Lab Analysis

When drugs are examined in a lab, every piece of equipment must be in working order. You may be able to question the correctness of the testing if there are any equipment failures.

What is Drug Distribution?

By definition, drug distribution is the act of selling and transporting illegal drugs. Drug distribution is also known as drug trafficking and it is considered a federal crime, a felony crime, and it is different from drug possession. 

Federal laws dictate drug distribution or trafficking laws and they penalize actions involved including selling, transportation, and importation of illegal controlled substances. Among these substances include heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and marijuana to name a few. Punishments for federal drug charges are usually grave depending on the severity of the case, namely the type and quantity of the drugs. A 3-5 year jail time awaits those who are found guilty of drug distribution but the sentence can go higher depending on the circumstances of the case. This case is considered a felony and a lot more serious compared to drug possession. Anyone found in possession of drugs can also be charged with trafficking if suspected of an intent to sell. 

There is a notion that this law is only applicable to illegal drugs but even prescription drugs obtained without a doctor’s prescription are also classified under drug distribution and trafficking. Prescription drugs involved in this trade include pain killers, sleeping pills, hydrocodone, and pharmaceutical opiates. 

What are Controlled Substances?

Controlled substances mean that the substances’ distribution is governed by law. Controlled substances have a schedule or levels as stated by the Controlled Substances Act. The following are the schedules:

• Schedule I-highly addictive substances that can lead to drug dependence and aren’t safe even with medicinal supervision
• Schedule II-highly addictive and has medicinal uses but may lead to severe dependence
• Schedule III-low has abuse potential and has medicinal uses with moderate dependence risk.
• Schedule IV and V-low potential for drug abuse with medicinal uses and limited dependence potential.

What are the Charges for Drug Distribution?

Charges depend highly on federal and state laws. An individual caught trafficking controlled substances to another state will face federal charges but for illicit drug activity within the state, then only the state’s laws will come into play. 

That said, the consequences of drug distribution are decided on a case-to-case basis.  State laws are inspired by federal law with minimum sentencing and these are initially created to curb big drug cartels. 

As far as federal laws are concerned, if you are charged with drug distribution by the federal government, you could potentially face the following penalties:

• 10 years to life in prison (1 kg heroin, 5 kg cocaine, 1000 kg marijuana)
• 5 to 40 years in prison (100 g heroin, 500 g cocaine)
• No more than 5 years (50 kg marijuana)

State laws vary from state to state and if you’re from Alameda, CA, you should know that the state’s laws heavily penalize drug distribution. A prosecutor can pursue criminal charges against individuals or organizations selling drugs within the community or from one country to another.  The penalties include:

• Felony charge with 3 to 5 years sentencing for the transport and sale of illicit drugs.
• Hiring minors to sell and distribute drugs will result in a 3, 6, or 9-year imprisonment in state prison. 
• PCP and methamphetamine distribution can lead to imprisonment from 16 months to 6 years. 

Call our Drug Distribution Attorney Now!

Drug distribution pertains to the selling, transportation, and importation of drugs and is also known as drug trafficking. The law has levels for classifying the severity of a drug along with penalties that hold drug distributors accountable, whether it be on a federal or state level. If you find yourself facing drug charges, don’t go through it alone. Enlist the help of a criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Andrew Dosa to handle your case. An attorney can evaluate your drug crime and use possible defenses to ensure that you get the best outcome. Call a drug distribution attorney from our law office in Alameda County to schedule your appointment.