Drug Crimes

Common Drug Crimes and Their Consequences

Drug crimes cover a wide range of offenses related to controlled substances, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and prescription drugs. Depending on the type and amount of the substance, drug charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies. Some common drug-related offenses include:

• Possession – Having illegal drugs on your person, in your home, or in your vehicle. Possession charges can vary based on the amount of the drug and whether it was for personal use or distribution.

• Drug trafficking or distribution – Selling, transporting, or distributing controlled substances. These charges often carry harsh penalties, especially if large amounts of drugs are involved.

• Possession with intent to distribute – Being caught with large quantities of drugs can lead law enforcement to charge you with intent to distribute, even if there is no direct evidence of drug sales.

• Manufacturing drugs – Involves the production of illegal drugs, including growing marijuana or operating a meth lab.

• Drug paraphernalia possession – Being caught with items related to drug use or production, such as pipes, bongs, syringes, or materials used to grow or manufacture drugs.

• Prescription drug offenses – Illegally possessing or distributing prescription medications like opioids, Adderall, or Xanax.

Penalties for Drug Crime Convictions

The consequences of a drug crime conviction can vary depending on the specific charges and the type and quantity of the drugs involved. However, even a minor conviction can lead to serious repercussions, including:

• Jail or prison time – Sentences can range from a few days for misdemeanor possession charges to years in state or federal prison for felony trafficking or manufacturing offenses.

• Fines – Drug crime convictions often carry heavy fines, which can total thousands of dollars.

• Probation – In some cases, probation may be an alternative to jail time, but it comes with strict conditions that must be followed.

• Mandatory rehabilitation programs – Some drug-related offenses may require participation in court-ordered drug treatment or rehabilitation programs.

• Permanent criminal record – A drug crime conviction can stay on your record forever, making it difficult to find employment, housing, or qualify for loans.

• Driver’s license suspension – Certain drug convictions may result in the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license.

• Immigration consequences – If you are not a U.S. citizen, a drug conviction could lead to deportation or prevent you from obtaining legal status in the future.

Potential Defenses to Drug Charges

While drug crime charges are serious, there are many ways to challenge them. At Barrera Legal Group, we’ll thoroughly investigate your case and look for any weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence. Some potential defenses we may explore include:

• Illegal search and seizure – Law enforcement officers must follow strict rules when conducting searches. If the police violated your constitutional rights by searching your person, vehicle, or property without a warrant or probable cause, we may be able to get the evidence against you thrown out.

• Lack of knowledge or possession – You can only be convicted if it’s proven that you knowingly possessed the drugs. If you were unaware that drugs were in your vehicle or home, this could be a valid defense.

• Chain of custody issues – The prosecution must prove that the drugs seized were properly handled and not tampered with during the investigation. Any mishandling of evidence could weaken the case against you.

• Entrapment – If law enforcement coerced or pressured you into committing a drug crime that you otherwise wouldn’t have committed, we may be able to use entrapment as a defense.

• Medical necessity or prescription – If you were using a controlled substance for a legitimate medical reason and have a prescription for it, this could be a defense to charges involving prescription drugs.

​

Every case is unique, and we will work tirelessly to explore all possible defense strategies to help reduce or dismiss your charges.

How Barrera Legal Group Can Help

At Barrera Legal Group, we know that being charged with a drug crime can be a frightening experience. Our criminal defense attorneys are committed to providing you with personalized and effective representation. Here’s how we can help:

• Thorough investigation – We will examine the circumstances surrounding your arrest, scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, and interview witnesses to build a strong defense.

• Challenging evidence – From challenging illegal searches to disputing the chain of custody, we will look for any violations of your rights that could lead to the suppression of evidence.

• Negotiating with prosecutors – We will work to negotiate favorable plea deals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing options such as drug diversion programs, if appropriate.

• Aggressive defense in court – If necessary, we will take your case to trial and fight aggressively to defend your innocence and challenge the prosecution’s case.

​

We understand the impact a drug conviction can have on your life, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights and future.

Contact Barrera Legal Group Today for a Free Consultation