Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyer

Helping Clients Avoid Drug Crime Convictions in Los Angeles County

• A top attorney with one of the best law firms in Southern California.
• Our lawyers have helped thousands of Los Angeles area clients charged with drug crimes, theft crimes, violent crimes, and beyond.
• Our award-winning attorneys will fight for your freedom.
• We take an aggressive and honest approach to your criminal defense.
• Entrust your legal defense to a top law firm. We’re regarded as some of the best in our field, as evidenced by our

In California, a drug crime conviction can give you a criminal record, cost you thousands in fines, and even send you to jail or state prison. Your life can be permanently damaged. Where can you turn? Our experienced drug crime lawyer, Douglas Miranda, will aggressively defend you and work hard to protect your future if you face a drug charge in Southern California.

Schedule your free consultation today to get started. 

Drug Cases We Handle

Douglas Miranda has over a decade of legal experience with a wide range of misdemeanor and felony drug cases. He’s a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney with a documented record of success. Mr. Miranda represents clients facing a variety of criminal charges related to drugs, including but not limited to

• Drug possession;
• Drug possession with intent to sell;
• Drug trafficking;
• Drug manufacturing;
• Sale and distribution; and
• Prescription-related drug crimes.

WHAT ARE CALIFORNIA’S DRUG LAWS?

There are numerous laws that govern how drug crimes are enforced and penalized in California.

It is a felony to possess controlled substances such as cocaine, heroin, Vicodin, OxyContin, and Xanax, with the intent to sell them to others. Possession of controlled substances with the intent to sell is punishable by up to four years in jail and a $20,000 fine. Unlike possession laws, you are not eligible for drug diversion programs in lieu of jail time if you are convicted of possession with the intent to sell.

It is also a felony to possess marijuana with the intent to sell it to others. If you are convicted of this crime, it could lead to facing up to three years in county jail.

What is Required To Prove An Intent To Sell in California?

In order to prove that you had the intent to sell, prosecutors are required to show that you had “indicia of sale,” which involves:

• Scales;
• A large amount of cash, especially bills in small denominations;
• Packaging the drug in small bags;
• Evidence that a lot of people were visiting you but only staying for a few minutes; and
• Excessively large quantities of the controlled substance that could not possibly be consumed by one person.

But, possession with the intent to sell is not the only drug crime that you can be charged with in California. Possession of drugs, even without the intent to sell, is illegal in California.

It is illegal in California to possess controlled substances, a crime known as possession of controlled substances. Controlled substances include illegal drugs and narcotics such as LSD, heroin, and cocaine, but they also include prescription drugs that you possess illegally, such as Xanax, Valium, OxyContin, and Vicodin.

Possession of a controlled substance is typically a misdemeanor and will be punishable by up to one year in county jail, along with a $1,000 fine. It is possible, but not guaranteed, that you will receive a drug diversion program instead of being sentenced to jail.

Methamphetamines

Methamphetamines are not covered under the possession of a controlled substance law; however, it is still illegal to possess them. Methamphetamines include any anabolic steroid, GHB, PCP, ketamine and other stimulants. Simple possession of methamphetamines, which means you did not have the intent to sell the drugs, is usually a misdemeanor and may be punished by up to one year in county jail, along with a fine of up to $1,000. If the drugs were solely for your use, you may be eligible to go through a drug diversion program instead of jail time, but this isn’t a guarantee

Possession of Marijuana

Possession of marijuana is also illegal in California, that is, unless you are legally permitted to use it medicinally. If you are found with a possession of marijuana equaling 28.5 grams or less, this is an infraction and you could receive a fine of $100. Having more than 28.5 grams of marijuana is considered a misdemeanor and you could face up to six months in county jail, along with having to pay a $500 fine.

Concentrated cannabis possession either comes with a felony or misdemeanor charge. When you are convicted of a misdemeanor charge of possessing concentrated cannabis, you potentially face up to one year in county jail, while paying a $500 fine. When convicted of a felony, concentrated cannabis possession, there is no fine but you face up to three years in jail.

This is not an exhaustive list of drug laws in California. There are many more drug laws in the state of California, and all of them carry severe consequences that could impact you for the remainder of your life. If you are facing a drug crime charge, contact a reputable Los Angeles drug crimes lawyer promptly.

WHEN FACING DRUG CHARGES, YOU NEED EFFECTIVE REPRESENTATION FROM AN SKILLED LAW FIRM

If you are charged with a drug-related crime, you need a skilled criminal defense attorney, Douglas Miranda. While there is never a guarantee for a particular criminal case, sometimes the charges can be minimized or dropped in drug cases and you will have fewer consequences.

Even if the evidence is overwhelming and you’re convicted, Douglas Miranda will negotiate for leniency and alternative sentencing. For over a decade, he’s effectively represented clients facing drug charges across Southern California.

LET OUR EXPERIENCED LOS ANGELES DRUG CRIME LAWYER HELP YOU

If you experience a charge with any drug crime or drug-related crime in the Southern California area, we will get to work on your case promptly. After thoroughly reviewing your case, Los Angeles criminal defense attorney Douglas Miranda will go into depth regarding your best defense options.

At the Miranda Rights Law Firm, we put our clients first. Call 213-255-5838 for a free consultation.