ARRESTED FOR SELLING DRUGS? CALL (714) 362-0157 FOR A LAWYER!

Have you been arrested and charged with selling drugs and possession with intent to sell? Are you confused as to why you are being accused of selling drugs? Drug sales can include a variety of acts such as administering or giving away a controlled substance. A drug sale charge may also be included when importing or transporting drugs. Prosecutors often "stack" as many charges as possible to give more weight to a case.

This can also have the effect of intimidating the accused into pleading guilty in exchange for having some of the charges dropped. Before you talk to a prosecutor about a deal, consult an Orange County criminal defense attorney with more than a decade of experience who can help you protect yourself and your record.

DRUG SALES DEFENSE LAWYER IN IRVINE

Looking for an attorney for drug sales in Orange County? Innocent people are caught up in bad situations all the time. Unfortunately when drugs are involved prosecutors and the courts are very skeptical and unforgiving. Any offense involving drug sales is punishable with harsh prison sentences and severe fines. We understand that anyone can make a mistake. It is in your best interest to invoke your right to a powerful defense.

Our determined drug sales defense lawyer will scrutinize every aspect of the arrest procedure from first contact to any interrogation in case your rights were violated and will explore all possible avenues of defense in order to gain a successful outcome.

NEED A LAWYER FOR DRUG SALES IN ORANGE COUNTY?

We believe that everyone deserves a second chance and we are willing to fight for yours. Our legal team will give you the benefit of our years of experience throughout your case. You can count on us for dedicated commitment and hard work. Every case is unique and everyone deserves a quality defense. Time is limited. Don't delay in talking to our talented criminal defense lawyer about your case.

CALL THE LAW OFFICE OF FRANCES PRIZZIA FOR A CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION: (714) 362-0157

Contact our Orange County drug sales attorney to discuss your case and get your questions answered.

ORANGE COUNTY DRUG CRIME DEFENSE ATTORNEY

Need a lawyer for drug possession in Orange County? Possession of illegal drugs can mean you are facing some serious charges. Even if you are found with a minor amount of marijuana in your car or pocket, without a prescription for medical marijuana use, you can find you are in a battle to protect your future and avoid a criminal record. Possession of most drugs is considered a misdemeanor in California. Although there is leniency in very small amounts of marijuana, once you are beyond the "threshold" amount, you can face penalties that include extensive jail or prison time.

It is assumed that you planned to sell the drug, and you will be facing possession with intent to sell charges even though your only interest was in personal use. After an arrest you may be in shock or feel overwhelmed by the idea of being prosecuted. It is very important that you discuss your situation with an Orange County criminal defense attorney right away in order to fully understand your options.

Tell us about your case today. Simply request a free case review!

DRUG CRIME DEFENSE LAWYER IN IRVINE

Searching for a lawyer for drug possession in Orange County? Even though you may have felt you were treated as though you were already been convicted, you do have rights. You have the right to remain silent and not answer questions or give explanations. You have the right to a skilled defense and to challenge the prosecutor's case.

The attorney you choose can mean the difference between going through life with a criminal record and being found not guilty. You need a drug crime defense attorney who is ready to ensure your rights are protected fully and who will work to get the charges against you dismissed. We will examine the police procedures in your case to see if the arresting officer crossed the line. Our firm has the investigation resources to gather evidence and witnesses to support your defense and our legal team is highly motivated to win.

FACING A DRUG POSSESSION CHARGE IN ORANGE COUNTY?

In this State most drug charges involve mandatory jail or prison time along with other harsh penalties. We understand that this is a stressful and even confusing time for you with so much at stake. If you are eligible for California's alternative program we can work to show the court that you should be given a second chance through rehabilitation rather than punishment. An insightful criminal defense lawyer at our firm is ready to help you to understand your options so you can decide what is best for you.

FOR ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS CONCERNING YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION CALL ATTORNEY FRANCES PRIZZIA: (714) 362-0157

Contact an Orange County drug crime defense attorney with the skills necessary to aggressively defend you.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG CRIMES: CALIFORNIA LAWS & PENALTIES

Prescription drugs, when not used properly can cause addiction and other negative effects. Just like street drugs, prescription drugs can be extremely powerful. Illegal involvement with prescription drugs can bring about severe punishment that can alter one's life for the worse. If you have been accused of any crime involving prescription drugs, speak with an Orange County criminal defense attorney from the firm on an immediate basis.

Arrested for a prescription drug crime in Newport Beach? Speak with an attorney from our firm today and we will review your case for free and inform you of your rights.

NEED AN ATTORNEY FOR A PRESCRIPTION DRUG CHARGE IN ORANGE COUNTY?

Anyone found distributing these drugs may be charged with drug distribution or prescription fraud. The court takes these charges extremely seriously and will attempt to penalize you to the fullest extent. Most involved in prescription drug charges tend to sympathize with those illegally attempting to obtain prescription medication for personal use. In such a case, an attorney may be able to get the charges dismissed or lessen the charges greatly.

EXPERIENCED DEFENSE FOR PRESCRIPTION DRUG CRIMES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Looking for an attorney for prescription drug crimes in Orange County? Our firm has helped many clients facing prescription drug charges to avoid serious penalties. We understand the distress and hardship you are being made to go through and can help you to understand the exact situation you are in.

We aggressively fight for our clients' rights and freedom when their liberty is threatened. We are not afraid to utilize all of our resources when dealing with drug offenses and will not back down in the face of serious accusations. We fight hard for our clients and build a resilient defense case in their name.

Contact an Orange County criminal lawyer now if you have been charged with a prescription drug crime.

ARRESTED UNDER DRUG MANUFACTURING CHARGES IN IRVINE?

Searching for an attorney for drug manufacturing in Orange County? If you have been accused of drug manufacturing in the state of California, it is imperative that you speak with an attorney at your earliest convenience. Drug manufacturing refers to the criminal act of producing controlled substances or street drugs.

Most illegal drugs must be manufactured and do not occur naturally. Such drugs include: LSD, Ecstasy, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. There are usually a number of chemicals involved with the manufacture of the drug. In addition, drug manufacturing is considered a large scale activity and normally requires a number of people and facilities. Some drug manufacturing, however, is meant for personal use and is therefore carried out on a smaller scale.

Drug manufacturing is one of the most serious drug crimes that you can be accused of. Like drug distribution, the state of California punishes drug manufacturing severely. When one is accused of a serious crime, it can be a confusing and frightening experience. We understand what you are going through and have helped countless clients to overcome serious penalties associated with drug manufacturing charges. We protect our clients' rights and liberty at any cost.

Contact us today at (714) 362-0157 to ensure that you receive fair treatment throughout your case. Our domestic violence attorneys are fluent in English and Tagalog.

DRUG CRIMES DEFENSE LAWYER IN ORANGE COUNTY

Looking for an attorney for drug manufacturing in Orange County? At the Law Office of Frances Prizzia, we have been helping clients to avoid harsh drug crime penalties for over a decade. A skilled defense attorney may mean the difference between walking away from your charges and serving the full sentence. We understand the difficulty you are enduring and will not back down when faced with accusations from the prosecution. We utilize every resource available and do everything within our power to help our clients retain their liberty.

Contact an Orange County drug crimes attorney if you have been charged with drug manufacturing and need assistance immediately.

DRUG DISTRIBUTION AND PENALTIES IN NEWPORT BEACH

Need a lawyer for drug distribution in Orange County? When one is accused of a serious drug crime such as drug distribution, it can be a traumatic and life-altering experience. The possibility of losing your rights and liberty is extremely frightening. We understand how difficult being charged with a crime is, and that is why we do everything in our power to assist those that have been accused of drug distribution.

The threat of losing your job, future career and other opportunities can be more than one can bear. In addition, losing your reputation in the community can be a serious blow to you and your family. Our firm recognizes the seriousness of the charge and has been helping those accused of drug crimes to overcome their charges for over 8 years.

CHARGED WITH DRUG DISTRIBUTION IN ORANGE COUNTY?

Take advantage of our free and confidential case evaluation today. Find out how we can help by calling our firm at (714) 362-0157!

SEARCHING FOR AN ATTORNEY FOR A DRUG DISTRIBUTION CASE IN ORANGE COUNTY?

At the Law Office of Frances Prizzia, we have helped countless clients avoid serious penalties for drug crimes. Distribution is one of the most serious drug charges an individual can face and is harshly punished in the state of California. Speak with an Orange County criminal defense attorney from the firm today so that your case can be reviewed on an immediate basis.

DRUG DISTRIBUTION CHARGES IN ORANGE COUNTY

Building a strong defense case for our clients is our number one priority. When faced with drug distribution charges, it is extremely important that you hire an attorney that will aggressively fight for your rights and ensure that you are protected at all times. Without an experienced defense attorney, you are left vulnerable to the accusations of the prosecution and law enforcement involved.

A defense attorney can help to tip the scales in your favor. Remember that you are innocent until proven guilty no matter what law enforcement says. We will not back down from the prosecution and are ready and willing to fight aggressively for our clients.

Contact an Orange County drug crimes attorney from the firm immediately if you are facing distribution charges.

LEGAL GUIDANCE FROM AN EXPERIENCED DRUG DEFENSE LAWYER

Derived from the coca plant, cocaine acts as a powerful and dangerously addictive stimulant. Popularized in the 80's, possibly in thanks to media attention and hype, cocaine is illegal under federal and all state laws. It is even illegal to consume the coca leaf in the United States if the intent is to obtain a high or stimulation similar to that gained through cocaine use.

If you are facing criminal charges involving cocaine in the Orange County area, you will require the defense of a knowledgeable attorney from the Law Office of Frances Prizzia. With a consistent 10.0 "Superb" Rating on Avvo and an undeniable track record of success, there is nothing about your case that can surprise us.

WHAT MIGHT BE CONSIDERED A COCAINE CRIME?

While distribution and manufacturing offenses for cocaine can certainly be quite severe – including years of jail time and hefty fines that range from $1,000 and up – possession charges are the most common. If you are charged for possession of cocaine, it is important to understand what sort of drug possession is being alleged.

SIMPLE POSSESSION

If you are holding an illicit substance – such as cocaine – and know both that it is illegal and that you are holding it, this is considered simple possession. If you do not retain a professional drug defense attorney, losing to a simple possession charge is more than likely.

CONSTRUCTIVE POSSESSION

More difficult to prove and easier to overturn than a simple possession charge, constructive possession of cocaine claims that an individual was aware that illegal quantities of cocaine were in existence somewhere and that the individual had intent to use or distribute it. Constructive possession does not require the individual to actually be holding any amount of cocaine to be charged.

There is also disparity in punishment based on the form of cocaine you were holding at the time of alleged possession. Crack cocaine typically carries punishments up to 18 times worse than that of powder cocaine, despite the fact that both substances are chemically identical.

PROFESSIONAL ATTORNEYS CAN DEFEND YOU FROM THIS IMBALANCED SYSTEM

With constructive possession and a major difference between crack and powder cocaine punishments, the system must be questioned and those accused deserve proper defense against charges. At the Law Office of Frances Prizzia, we have always been dedicated to giving the greatest level of service and satisfaction to our clients in criminal defense cases. If you are facing a charge that you believe should be contested or dismissed, you need to seek our counsel as soon as you possible.

Contact our Orange County drug defense attorneys today to get started!

When it comes to drug crimes, California has some of the harshest penalties in the United States. Couple that with the state's Three Strikes policy, and an Orange County drug charge could get you in hot water very quickly.

Having a drug crime conviction appearing on your criminal record can significantly affect your future. It will appear on background reports for employment, professional licenses, and potential security clearances. And the truth is, any drug-related offenses will put you in a bad light, if not prohibit you from pursuing employment and licensing opportunities.

However, an experienced defense attorney can help you avoid all of that. Learn more about how our drug defense attorneys can help you defend your rights, and reach out to us to schedule a case consultation.

Our Experienced Drug Defense Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You

At The Law Offices of Frances Prizzia, we fight for our clients, protect their rights, and ensure they have the best possible outcome for their cases. Our experienced, knowledgeable legal team is aggressive where it counts but compassionate in helping you get the legal representation you need and deserve.

No one should have to walk into the courtroom alone or without a top-notch attorney at their side. When you choose us, we will assign you a drug crimes attorney who will stand by you from the beginning of your case until the end. We will walk you through each step of your case, making sure that you understand each part. We will discuss every legal move we make on your case so that you are a part of the decision-making process. We will spend time with you, answer your questions, and discuss your legal options so you can move forward fully informed.

If you are confronting criminal charges for drugs, call us first. Schedule a free consultation so we can go over your case with you and explain your drug charges as well as potential consequences. Then if you choose to allow us to represent you, we will give you the same personal attention that we give to all of our clients. And we will work tirelessly to represent you.

Understanding California Drug Crime Laws

California's Proposition 47 is a voter-approved initiative on the November 2014 ballot. It reduced specified low-level drug and property crimes from felonies to misdemeanors. Non-violent property crimes, where the value is not greater than $950, have been made into misdemeanors. Other crimes that have been reduced from felonies to misdemeanors include certain forgeries, bad check crimes, commercial burglary, certain grand theft crimes, and possessions.

If you have never had a previous drug conviction, you could be eligible for California's PC 1000. If you are able to complete this program successfully, you will be eligible to have your charges dismissed. This is a great opportunity for those accused of a drug crime to apply for education, treatment, and rehabilitation instead of incarceration. We can work with you to see if this is an option for your case.

California Proposition 36 is an initiative for criminal sentencing. Non-violent drug offenders, if eligible, are not sent to prison or jail but instead to a drug treatment program. The laws determining who is or is not eligible for the program are very complex. Your defense attorney can work with you to determine if you qualify.

Several laws under the California Health and Safety Code govern drug crimes, including drug possession, possession of controlled substances, possession with intent to sell, transportation for sale of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Drug charges that can still be charged as felonies are often charged to the fullest extent possible as prosecutors crack down on drug crimes in order to set an example and discourage other drug-related crimes in the state.

This crackdown has also resulted in a number of programs that are designed to help people overcome addiction. Some sentences include a requirement for the defendant to get involved with a drug treatment program or sometimes drug diversion programs. Many see this as a very beneficial step in the right direction.

Common Types of Drug Crimes in Orange County

Several Orange County drug crimes are common in the area. Some of these are quite serious.

Drug Possession

Drug possession is typically based on the amount of the substance and possible intent to distribute it. All simple possession charges are now misdemeanors under California's Prop 47. It does not matter what schedule drug you might be charged with possessing.

Drug Possession With Intent To Distribute

Drug possession with intent to distribute in California is a serious offense that refers to the possession of controlled substances in quantities or under circumstances that suggest the individual intends to sell or distribute them rather than merely possessing them for personal use. The exact penalties vary depending on someone’s prior criminal record, but it could include multiple years in prison.

Manufacturing and Cultivation

Under California law, it is illegal to manufacture or cultivate illegal substances. The law covers every point of the drug manufacturing process, from compounding ingredients to mixing a final product. Growing marijuana is also covered. A person 21 years or older can legally grow as many as six marijuana plants in their home. More than that amount is illegal and can incur drug charges.

Prescription Drug Offenses

Unlawful possession of a controlled substance covers prescription and illegal medications. It is illegal to have any usable amount of a controlled substance in your possession. If the substance is a prescription, it must be in your name. It is also against the law to sell prescription drugs even if they are prescribed to you. You also cannot give them away to someone else.

Penalties of an Orange County Drug Crimes Conviction

The penalties for drug crimes in Orange County can be pretty steep. For example, you could be charged with a misdemeanor if you have prescription painkillers on your person that have not been prescribed to you. Even a misdemeanor drug possession conviction carries a maximum of 364 days in jail.

Now, under Prop 47, all simple possession cases are charged as misdemeanors, not felonies. It does not matter what schedule the drug is, as long as it was charged as simple possession or another crime impacted by Prop 47.

On the other hand, some drug crimes can still be charged as a felony. For example, certain forms of drug trafficking under HS 11352 can still be charged as a felony. A conviction under this statute could lead to thousands of dollars in fines and multiple years in jail. Past felony drug convictions, having a gun while possessing the drugs, and prior strikes can also lead to sentence enhancements. For these reasons, it is critical to reach out to an experienced Orange County drug crimes lawyer as soon as possible.

Fines

Felony drug charges can carry fines of up to $10,000 and may or may not include jail or prison. Misdemeanor drug crimes can incur a maximum fine of $1,000.

Imprisonment

The imprisonment penalty for a misdemeanor drug crime is up to 364 days in jail. Felony drug crimes can be much harsher. These crimes carry sentences that are more than a year and can be three, five, or ten years in prison. In some cases, depending on the circumstances of the case, the prison sentence can be much longer, including life.

Probation

A person who is convicted of a non-violent drug crime can be placed on probation. This probation can be supervised or unsupervised, depending on the terms of the case. The probation period can last for a year or longer and typically requires completing a drug treatment program.

Forfeiture of Assets

To complete the forfeiture of assets, the person usually must have a criminal conviction. However, if the defendant fails to appear for the appointed hearing, the forfeiture can proceed without conviction. Property that the government can seize includes anything that is connected to the crime. This can include equipment used to manufacture or distribute, substances needed for making the drug, and gains from drug trafficking or sale.

Defenses for Drug Crimes in Orange County, CA

Most drug crimes may seem to be pretty straightforward. If you have an illegal drug on your person, you get arrested and go to jail. Simple as that.

The truth is, drug crimes are very rarely cut-and-dry situations. Many elements can go into it, and it is your defense attorney's job to tease out those elements and build your defense strategy.

Some of the more common drug crime defenses include the following:

Constructive Possession

Constructive possession is when you do not have the drug in your direct possession. However, it was where you could reasonably have control over it. For example, you don't have any drugs on you, but there is marijuana in the console of your vehicle. The question then becomes, is it really yours? The burden of proof that it is yours lies on the shoulders of the prosecution. It is important to work with an experienced attorney who understands how to question the prosecution's case and put forth the strongest possible defense.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

If the police want to search your property, they need a warrant, consent, or probable cause. If they do not have a warrant and search your property anyway, they could be guilty of illegal search and seizure. Any evidence that is collected during that illegal search is not admissible in court. Count on an experienced attorney who can defend your rights and protect you against the consequences of an illegal search and seizure.

Constitutional Rights Violations

A violation of constitutional rights can include failure to advise the defendant of his right to an attorney and remain silent. Other violations can include denying the defendant access to their attorney or trying to coerce the defendant into talking and incriminating themselves. We have an in-depth understanding of your rights and can challenge any potential violation of them.

Improper Analysis of Controlled Substances

Sophisticated equipment is used to analyze substances and identify them. If law enforcement analyzes the substances incorrectly, improperly identifying something as a controlled substance when it is not, this can lead to the case being dropped. You need an attorney who understands how this equipment works, what has to be done to take proper care of it, and can challenge the results if they are unreliable.

There are countless defenses that we can formulate to provide you with the strongest possible defense. The sooner you reach out to us, the better we can control the narrative of your case. Give us a call today to schedule a case consultation.

Connect With Our Orange County Drug Crime Attorney at The Law Offices of Frances Prizzia Today

If you are facing a drug crime conviction in orange county for controlled substances, you need an experienced, knowledgeable, talented criminal defense attorney on your side. Call The Law Offices of Frances Prizzia today for your free consultation. Once you sign with us, we will work tirelessly to represent you and make sure that you have the best possible outcome for your case.

We will stand with you and walk you through each step, ensuring that you understand each phase of your case so that you can make informed decisions. Call today, and let us work for you.