Drug possession for personal use cases are still very serious. Even though simple possession for personal use of a small quantity of illegal drugs are misdemeanor charges, they still carry possible jail time up to a year, up to $1000 fine and some drug charges carry registration as a drug offender with local law enforcement. Illegal drugs are not just methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy, marijuana, cocaine and mushrooms, but also include prescription drugs like vicodin and oxycotin without a prescription. Since Prop 47 reduced all of these charges to misdemeanors, people are often cited and released initially rather than taken to jail and given a Court date. These charges can also effect you driving privilege, immigration, employment, licensing, education, career choices and many other aspects of your life.
There are a number of things that can be done for drug possession charges which can greatly reduce or eliminate their potential impact on an individual. There is the possibility of diversion, prop 36, drug Court if there are no defenses to the charge but it also depends on the individual, their prior record and many other factors that can be taken into account. If it is a posssession for sale or sales case, then it is a felony and there is a higher likelihood of custody and more serious consequences. However, many times those cases can be negotiated to simple possession cases and allow other alternatives based on the quantity and circumstances of the possession.
In Drug cases, attorneys will always review the initial contact with the individual, search and seizure, and factors of the possession. The possession must be knowingly. Call Christoph Law Offices at 760-951-5720 for a free consultation and evaluation. We are located across from Vista Courts and have provided the highest level of person and professional representation for over 35 years.
