Often, drug charges are a matter of unfortunate circumstances, where someone was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes a person might not have even known there were drugs at their property or placed within an object in their possession, such as a backpack or a car, but arresting officers will still charge you with a crime.
If you have been arrested because controlled substances have been found at your property or on your person, or if authorities accuse you of distributing or intending to distribute these substances, you will likely face harsh penalties. This is why it is so crucial to get in touch with our Santa Clarita drug possession attorney at Lias Law Firm as soon as possible.
Contact us online or at (661) 592-9001 so our dedicated defense attorney can answer your questions.
Understanding Drug Possession Laws in California
In the state of California, any person who has been found with a controlled substance on their property or on their person is liable to be charged with either a felony or misdemeanor, depending on the individual circumstances. The only exception is if someone has clearly been authorized or given a valid form of permission, such as a medical prescription.
Unfortunately, these laws do not take into account background circumstances, such as cases where drugs or even paraphernalia like needles and syringes were found at your property, but belonged to someone else. This is why it is crucial to have a knowledgeable lawyer at your side who can demonstrate the true context of your case.
Drug Classification Schedules in California
The severity of a penalty for drug possession depends not only on the amount of the drug found, but the type of drug. In the California drug schedule, there are five levels of drugs, with Schedule I being considered the most serious and the other levels decreasing by their risk of abuse.
The schedules of the five levels of drugs includes:
- Schedule I – Opiates, Heroin and LSD
- Schedule II – Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and Ritalin
- Schedule III – Tylenol with Codeine and Vicodin
- Schedule IV – Xanax and Ambien
- Schedule V – Lyrica and Lomotil
Strategic Defense Against Drug Possession Charges
Our firm is ready to scrutinize the supposed evidence possessed by the prosecution in your case. We will look for errors and holes in the way that both the police and prosecution have conducted their investigation.
Some of the methods we can pursue include proving that:
- Law enforcement seized drugs by making an illegal traffic stop
- Police officials violated or ignored their search warrant’s terms
- Law enforcement did not have a legal warrant in the first place
- Police officers neglected to remind you of your right for legal counsel, or omitted any instruction of your right to keep silent
- The drugs that were at the property or on your person did not belong to you
Trust our dedicated team at Lias Law Firm to support your case with rigorous representation, no matter how challenging it may seem.
Call us today at (661) 592-9001 or contact us online so our Santa Clarita drug possession lawyer can aggressively defend you.
Local Insights on Drug Possession Charges in Santa Clarita
Living in Santa Clarita, you may be aware of the unique challenges that come with drug possession charges. The city, known for its family-friendly atmosphere and vibrant community, is not immune to the complexities of drug-related offenses. Local law enforcement, including the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station, actively patrols the area, which can lead to increased scrutiny and arrests for drug possession. Understanding the local landscape is crucial when facing such serious allegations.
Residents often find themselves in difficult situations, such as being charged for drugs found in a vehicle or property that they do not own. This can be particularly concerning in neighborhoods like Valencia or Canyon Country, where community events and gatherings are common. The presence of drugs in these settings can lead to misunderstandings and wrongful accusations. It’s essential to have a legal advocate who understands the local dynamics and can effectively communicate your side of the story.
Moreover, the Santa Clarita City Council and local resources, such as the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, provide support for community initiatives aimed at reducing drug-related issues. While these entities work towards improving public safety, they also highlight the importance of having a knowledgeable attorney who can navigate the legal system effectively. Our team at Lias Law Firm is committed to addressing the pain points faced by residents, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive a fair defense.
Whether you are dealing with a first-time offense or have prior convictions, we understand the local laws and how they apply to your situation. Our goal is to help you move forward without the burden of a drug possession charge affecting your life in Santa Clarita.
