Drug Lawyer San Francisco, CA
If an officer charged you with a crime relating to drugs in California, do not hesitate to reach out to our San Francisco, CA drug lawyer. Because there are so many laws regarding the manufacturing, possession, and sale of drugs, it can be difficult to know where the law draws that line. If an officer has charged you with illegally possessing or distributing drugs, one of your top concerns is likely a criminal record and what kind of punishments there are. Our California Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist at the Morales Law Firm understands this fear and will work hard to help you devise a defense for your circumstances. The sooner we have information on the alleged crime, the sooner we can begin working on how best to represent you. Contact us today to set up a free case consultation.
Determining The Legality Of Drugs
We understand it is not always easy to know whether a drug is legal or illegal. This is a gray area because many times the legality of a drug will depend entirely on how you are using it. For example, marijuana is a controversial drug, and it is not legal to use in every state. Some states have passed laws that allow patients with certain illnesses (like cancer) take prescribed doses of marijuana to help alleviate extreme nausea and promote weight gain. Thus, even if it is legal in some states, a person can still possess, use, or distribute marijuana illegally. If you are unsure of the legality of the drugs in question, you can speak with our drug crime attorney in the Bay Area today.
Legal Strategies For Drug Possession
When it comes to drug possession charges, the severity can range depending on the type of drug you are in possession of and the amount that you are holding. When facing charges there will be a number of factors to consider:
- The type of drug that you were in possession of can make a significant difference because they are all classified differently.
- Whether or not there is a previous criminal background.
- If you intended to distribute the drugs you were in possession of
Other important variables can come into play as well. For example, if the investigator on your case believes that you intended to sell the drugs you were in possession of, you could be facing distribution charges. They may look to see if you are also in possession of the following items when determining whether this type of charge could be obtained:
- Baggies
- Scales
- Large amounts of money
- Drug paraphernalia
Drug possession with the intent to sell or distribute can lead you to face a much harsher penalty in court.
Types Of Defense Strategies
Our criminal lawyer offers a vast knowledge base of the court system and the appropriate ways to strategize depending on the climate of the courtroom, the judge presiding over your case, and the prosecutor bringing forth the charges. Having a drug lawyer with familiarity of the local court scene can work to your benefit. Some of the most common defense strategies for drug possession include:
- Violation Of The Fourth Amendment: This occurs when law enforcement search your home or vehicle without a warrant or probable cause. If evidence was obtained without a warrant, it may not be able to be used against you in a trial.
- There Is Not Enough Evidence: Sometimes, evidence can go missing which can have an impact on your case. Without the proper evidence, the prosecution’s case may be impacted.
- The Drugs Weren’t Yours: Although this can be difficult to prove, depending on your specific situation, it can be a valid defense. Although in some states, you could still be held responsible.
There are a number of other defenses we may use. It will be important to consult our criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can so that we can take a closer look at your specific case. We will be able to develop an appropriate defense strategy for your particular situation.
Potential Penalties
In California, courts can be quite strict when it comes to drug misdemeanors and felonies. The laws and statutes related to possession or sale of marijuana, meth and other drugs are extremely difficult and severe on defendants. A drug-related conviction can lead to significant prison time and/or probation sentences. Therefore, if you have committed a drug-related offense, find out which kind of drug crime defense attorney can help you during your trial or investigation. Those individuals who have been charged with a crime involving illegal substances will need to have a vigorous drug defense lawyer to pursue the best outcome for their case.
Our experienced San Francisco drug lawyer has the knowledge and resources to prepare a strong case on your behalf. We will not only defend you in a court of law, but they will examine the arrest procedure as well as the evidence that the state will be using against you. Throughout the entire process, from arrest, to prepare for arraignment hearings and trial, our attorney will be a trustworthy guide through the whole situation.
Whether you have been charged with possession, intent to sell, distribution, or drug trafficking, your entire future can rest on your defense. So, your argument is one of the most important tasks you should be thinking about. Hiring our Bay Area drug crime lawyer with knowledge and experience is crucial to your future.
Other Issues To Keep In Mind
It is also important to remember that, if you are suffering from the humiliation of a drug possession lawsuit, seeking a drug possession lawyer can represent as a tremendous first step. At The Morales Law Firm, we have been advocating for the public ever since opening our law firm in 1991. We know how a drug charge can severely impact or completely damage a person’s life. Not only is your future at stake, but also your career and personal life.
We have seen many drug-related charges so you can rest easier knowing we are knowledgeable in drug possession cases. There are many tactics the prosecution may use to trap you into a drug accusation, which can result in a taxing and emotional trial.
Many factors may affect your charges and potential trial. Every case is unique, but below are a few that may apply to your situation.
- Search Warrants – This can be an incredibly embarrassing experience for the accused and his or her loved ones.
- Forfeiture – Police may try to take hold of your car, money, bank accounts, property, or home, claiming that these assets are directly related to the charge.
- Wiretaps – If a wiretap was not authorized legally and adequately approved, this could be an invasion of privacy.
- Illegal Arrests – This pertains to a person being stopped and searched without probable cause. It may also include pressure by police to sign a consent search form.
- Entrapment – This refers to committing a crime due to the influence of a police officer.
Having a reliable California drug lawyer to fight in your defense may help you avoid some of the more severe consequences of a drug-related crime. Even when it’s not possible to get charges dropped altogether, it still may be possible to negotiate a lighter sentence or an alternative penalty, such as a drug rehabilitation program.
The sooner you hire our firm to help with your drug offense case, the better your chances may be in a reduction or complete elimination of sentencing. Our attorney at The Morales Law Firm will work hard, yet be compassionate during this difficult time, so call today!
San Francisco Drug Infographic
Get Guidance From Our Experienced Defense Lawyer
Understanding the strategy your attorney is planning to take for your case can help you have a clear idea of what to expect of the court process. Your attorney can give a person with drug possession charges peace of mind when faced with the drug court system and the variables to your specific case.
Depending on the circumstances regarding your specific case, outcomes can vary. By speaking with our experienced San Francisco drug attorney regarding the details behind your arrest and subsequent charges, you can get a clearer picture of what to expect through the court process.
Drug Crime FAQs
Drug-related charges can lead to serious legal and personal consequences. Whether the charges involve possession, distribution, or trafficking, they can disrupt your life, damage your reputation, and put your freedom at risk. Strict enforcement of drug laws means that even minor offenses can carry significant penalties. At Morales Law Firm, we work tirelessly to protect our clients from these outcomes, focusing on building a strong defense.
Are There Different Federal And State Regulations?
Yes. While there has long been a federal strategy to deter people from abusing controlled substances—like amphetamines—and each state also has their own specific laws regarding how they control drug use. It is important to note that there are two main differences between federal and state regulations:
- Typically, a federal drug charge (as opposed to a state) will carry significantly harsher punishments.
- It is more common to see federal drug convictions concerning drug trafficking, while state convictions are commonly associated with drug possession.
Who Can Face Drug-related Accusations?
Anyone can find themselves facing drug-related charges, including drug possession, regardless of their background or circumstances. We’ve represented individuals from all walks of life, including students, parents, and professionals, who were caught in challenging legal situations. These accusations can arise from misunderstandings, overzealous enforcement, or more serious allegations. Our team focuses on understanding the unique details of each case to provide tailored legal support.
What Should You Do If You Are Facing Drug Charges?
If you or a loved one is facing drug-related charges, it’s important to act quickly. The prosecution may already have substantial evidence prepared, and building a strong defense takes time. Part of building a case may include the offer of immunity in exchange for testimony against another, but it’s important to consider all options with our highly qualified attorney to weigh the pros and cons. At Morales Law Firm, we’re ready to step in and help protect your rights. Contact us today to discuss your case and take the first step toward defending your future.
How Does The Morales Law Firm Approach Drug Defense Cases?
Every defense begins with a detailed review of the charges and evidence. We take the time to understand your perspective and explore every angle of your case. Christopher Morales uses his extensive experience to identify legal strategies that challenge the prosecution’s case, while Sylvia Palma investigates key facts, such as the legality of searches or the reliability of evidence. This comprehensive approach allows us to provide focused, effective representation.
What Sets The Morales Law Firm Apart In Drug Defense?
Christopher Morales has been defending clients for over 30 years, earning a reputation for his skill and determination in the courtroom. As a California Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist, his knowledge and experience are widely recognized. Supporting him, Sylvia Palma brings over 25 years of investigative work, focusing on uncovering critical details that strengthen our clients’ defenses. Together, we provide a level of representation that sets us apart from other firms. Read testimonials from former clients to learn more.
Secure Strong Legal Representation
If you’re facing drug-related charges in San Francisco, don’t navigate the legal system alone. Our firm is led by a California Board-Certified criminal law specialist, Christopher F. Morales; we offer experienced and dedicated defense. Your future matters—let us fight to protect it. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation and take the first step toward building your defense.
Client Review
“Christopher Morales is a highly , expert criminal defense attorney. He treats us with dignity and respect, understand and make informed decisions about our son case. I am highly – recommend Christopher to people.”
Christian Panameno
