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Drug Crimes

Posted by William Aron | Jun 17, 2022

San Luis Obispo Drug Crime Lawyer

Any drug-related crime in California is serious, regardless of its nature. In California criminal cases, prosecutors take a vigorous approach to obtain a conviction, which may result in potential jail time and a criminal record. Unfortunately, what follows after you’ve served time may be more troubling. A conviction for a drug crime may have an adverse impact on your job, finances, and personal life. Hence, you need a drug lawyer who has experience in these cases and will advocate for you every step of the way. 

At the Aron Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys have decades of experience in successfully defending those arrested and charged with drug crimes, and we’re in a strong position to represent you. Our San Luis Obispo drug crime attorneys are familiar with judges and court procedures throughout California. Contact our firm at (805) 500-0759 for quality legal counsel regarding your case. 

Summary of Drug Scheduling In California 

The California Health and Safety Code assigns drugs to various schedules depending on their potential for abuse and available applications in medicine. Categorizing drugs in this way helps prosecutors determine how to charge the crime. Schedule I is the most severe drug classification of the schedules, and as such, it brings the most serious penalties among drug charges. Drugs in this category do not currently have a medical application and have the highest potential for abuse and addiction. 

Below are some common drugs in each schedule:

Schedule I Drugs

Among the drugs classified as Schedule I are opiates and heroin. These drugs have addictive qualities and have been considered dangerous outside the scope of medical prescribing.

Schedule II Drugs

Drugs listed in Schedule II include morphine, methamphetamine, and cocaine. These drugs have the potential to be abused, but some are prescribed to treat deficit disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Schedule III Drugs

A number of Schedule III drugs—including depressants, codeine, and ketamine—may be abused, but most are used medically.

Schedule IV Drugs

Most Schedule IV drugs have little abuse potential, including Valium, Ambien, and Xanax. However, you may face a drug crime charge if you possess a significant amount of Schedule IV drugs, especially while driving.

Schedule V Drugs

Cough suppressants and other prescription medicines fall into Schedule V drugs. 

Common Drug Charges in San Luis Obispo 

A drug crime involves possession of illegal drugs, illegally obtained prescription medications, or other harmful substances. Many factors go into deciding the penalties to impose, including the following:

  • Whether this is your first, second, or subsequent conviction
  • The nature of your previous drug convictions and criminal history 
  • The time that has passed since your previous conviction for drugs
  • The weight or quantity of the drug in your possession
  • The schedule of the drug that you possessed 
  • The packaging of the drugs

Based on those factors, you may face charges for one of the following: 

  • Drug Possession
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 
  • Possession with Intent to Sell
  • Manufacturing or Growing Drugs
  • Drug Trafficking and Drug Distribution 

Convictions for drug crimes carry the possibility of prison time, probation or parole, loss of parental rights and hefty fines, among others. The San Luis Obispo drug crime lawyers at the Aron Law Firm oppose unjust mandatory sentencing guidelines and will skillfully fight for your rights. 

Defending Drug Charges Demands a Highly Trained Attorney 

Often, it takes a multi-faceted approach to defend drug crime charges successfully. At the Aron Law Firm, we’ll investigate the facts of your case to determine the best defense strategy. We may challenge police misconduct such as unlawful searches and seizures, as well as fabricated evidence, flawed testimony, ownership of drugs, or entrapment. Facing drug charges may initially seem hopeless; however, an experienced and reputable criminal defense attorney may present a solid defense against seemingly unbeatable charges. 

Getting the best possible result for our clients is our firm’s primary motivation, whether that means dismissing charges, acquitting them at trial, requesting a reduced sentence, obtaining an alternative punishment, or fighting disproportionately harsh sentencing.

Personalized Legal Defense from a San Luis Obispo Drug Crime Lawyer 

If you need strong advocacy and protection of your rights in California, you should hire a San Luis Obispo drug crime lawyer as soon as possible. You may lose liberty, your reputation, financial security, and driving privileges should you be charged with an offense, whether it be a misdemeanor or felony. 

At the Aron Law Firm, our attorneys have earned a reputation for delivering strategic criminal defense solutions, while taking a client-centered approach to every case we handle. Each client has an individual set of circumstances and needs in their present situation, and that’s why we offer them individualized legal guidance to ensure their story is heard and their case is handled appropriately. 

To request a consultation with one of our criminal defense attorneys, call (805) 500-0759 or complete our contact form. 

Drug Crimes

Posted by William Aron | Mar 23, 2022

santa barbara drug lawyer

In California, over 700 people are arrested daily for drug crimes. Both drug felonies and misdemeanors can have serious long-term consequences. In drug crime cases, California prosecutors tend to take an aggressive approach. If you are facing drug crime charges, it is imperative that you consult with a Santa Barbara drug crime lawyer. A skilled criminal defense attorney can help you minimize your penalties and potentially clear your name of all charges. The Aron Law Firm wants you to understand your options and the importance of hiring a dedicated criminal defense attorney with a stellar track record of success fighting for his clients.

California Drug Schedules

Drug crimes are charged based on a drug’s level of severity, known as a schedule, in the California Health and Safety Code. Schedule I is the most serious drug grouping of the schedules and usually have the most serious consequences of all drug charges. Drugs in this category are thought to have the highest potential for abuse and addiction and, for the most part, lack any medicinal purposes.

Some of the common drugs in each schedule include:

Schedule I drugs include opiates and heroin. These drugs are highly addictive and have been deemed unsafe except when prescribed by a medical professional for severe pain.

Schedule II drugs include morphine, meth, and cocaine. While these drugs still have the potential for abuse, they have some medical uses, such as to treat attention deficit disorder (ADD).

Schedule III drugs include depressants, codeine, and ketamine. While these drugs can be abused, most of them have many medical uses.

Schedule IV drugs include Xanax, Valium, and Ambien. For the most part, these drugs have low abuse potential. However, if you are found in possession of a large amount of Schedule IV drugs or are using them while driving, you may face drug crime charges.

Schedule V drugs include cough suppressants and some other medical drugs that require a prescription.

If you are charged with a drug crime, the penalties that you may face usually depend on the schedule and quantity of the drugs that were involved in your crime.

The Types of Drug Charges in Santa Barbara

In Santa Barbara, drug crimes may be charged as felonies or misdemeanors. Some factors that may influence the charges and penalties of drug crimes include:

  • The severity of the crime
  • The schedule of the drugs involved in the crime
  • The criminal history of the defendant
  • The quantity of the drug involved in the crime

Some of the most common drug charges in Santa Barbara include possession, manufacturing, and distribution.

Drug Possession Charges

Drug possession charges are one of the most common drug charges. Any person that is found in possession of a controlled substance can face misdemeanor or felony charges. Whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony usually depends on the quantity of the drug you were found with.

Possession of a small quantity of drugs is usually charged as a misdemeanor. Conversely, if you are found with a large quantity of drugs, you could face felony charges. If you are convicted of drug possession, you could face prison time, large fines, and a permanent conviction on your criminal record.

Possession with Intent to Sell

Another common possession charge is “possession with intent to sell.” This usually involves people who are found in possession of a large quantity of drugs, which suggests that they most likely intended to sell them. If you are convicted of a “possession with intent to sell” charge, you may face penalties including a prison sentence, required participation in a drug rehabilitation program, and a felony conviction that will permanently remain on your record.

Manufacturing or Growing Drugs

Manufacturing or growing drugs is illegal. If you are found in possession of chemicals associated with creating or manufacturing a drug, you may face a manufacturing drug charge. Manufacturing is almost always charged as a felony and, if convicted, you may face harsh penalties.

Distribution and Drug Trafficking

If you are caught selling, distributing, or providing illegal substances, you may face a drug distribution charge. Depending on the amount, schedule, and location of the drugs involved, your distribution charge could be raised to a felony trafficking charge.

Additionally, if you’ve committed drug crimes across state lines or on federal property, your charge may get elevated to a federal drug crime offense. 

Common Defenses in Drug Cases in Santa Barbara

Being charged with a drug crime can feel overwhelming and hopeless. However, a skilled criminal defense attorney can develop a strong defense strategy for your case. There are a number of legal defenses that attorneys use in drug crime cases. Some of the most popular defense strategies for drug crime charges include:

  • Denial of ownership of the drugs in question
  • Search and seizure defenses
  • Entrapment, which involves asserting that the defendant was forced to commit the drug crime as a result of intimidation and threats by a third-party
  • An affirmative defense of legal ownership

Consult a Skilled Drug Crimes Lawyer in Santa Barbara, CA

If you are facing drug crime charges, it is imperative to consult with a skilled criminal defense attorney. At the Aron Law Firm, our Santa Barbara drug crime defense attorney, William Aron, has a proven track record of minimizing the penalties associated with drug crime charges. As a Former Deputy District Attorney, Mr. Aron has knowledge of both sides of the criminal justice system and takes a client-centered approach to every case. We understand that each client has their own set of circumstances and needs, and we provide personalized legal counsel to ensure their unique situation is valued. To schedule an appointment with one of our experienced criminal defense lawyers, call today at (805) 500-0867 or fill out our online contact form.