Santa Rosa Drug Possession Attorneys

Protecting the Rights of the Accused in Sonoma County & Marin County

Being charged with drug possession can be a frightening experience. You may be unsure of what to do next or how to protect yourself. The most important thing you can do is to contact a Santa Rosa drug possession lawyer as soon as possible. At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we have more than 5 years of combined experience defending the rights of the accused.

If you or a loved one has been charged with drug possession, call (707) 986-4482 or contact us online today. 

What Are the Penalties for Drug Possession in California?

In California, the penalties for drug possession depend on the type of drug and the specific circumstances of the case. Simple possession charges are typically less severe than charges for possession with intent to sell, for example. The consequences of a drug possession conviction may also be enhanced if the defendant has a prior criminal record.

Simple drug possession charges can result in the following penalties:

• Up to one year in county jail
• Fines of up to $1,000
• Probation
• Mandatory drug counseling

When a person is charged with possessing a large quantity of drugs, this may be viewed as evidence of intent to sell. Drug possession with intent to sell is a more serious offense and is typically charged as a felony. Convictions for possession with intent to sell can result in much more severe penalties, including imprisonment in a state penitentiary.

Penalties for drug possession with intent to sell can include:

• Up to four years in state prison
• Substantial fines
• Probation
• Mandatory drug counseling

In some cases, a defendant may be charged with simple drug possession, but he or she may also face additional charges. If the drugs were found in a place where children were present, for example, the defendant may be charged with child endangerment. If the defendant was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia, such as a pipe or syringe, he or she may be charged with a separate crime. The specific penalties for these additional charges will vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the defendant's prior criminal record.

What Are the Possible Defenses for Drug Possession?

If you've been charged with drug possession, you may be wondering if there's any way to fight the charges against you. In many cases, the answer is "yes." A skilled Santa Rosa drug possession attorney can help you explore your options for defense and fight to protect your rights, your future, and your freedom.

Some of the most common defenses to drug possession include:

• Unlawful search and seizure: Under the Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, all individuals are protected from unreasonable search and seizure. This means that police must have probable cause to search your person, your vehicle, or your home. If the police conducted an illegal search and seizure, the evidence obtained in the search may be suppressed and deemed inadmissible in court. This could result in the dismissal of your case.
• Drugs did not belong to the defendant: In order to be convicted of drug possession, the prosecution must prove that you were in possession of the drugs beyond a reasonable doubt. If the drugs were not found on your person, this may be a viable defense. Even if the drugs were found in your vehicle or your home, it may still be possible to prove that the drugs were not yours. For example, if you share a home or a vehicle with other people, you may be able to argue that the drugs belonged to someone else.
• Crime lab errors: The drugs that were found in your possession must be tested and the results must be analyzed in a crime lab. Crime lab errors are not uncommon. If the drugs were not properly tested or the results were not properly analyzed, the evidence may be inadmissible in court.
• Missing evidence: In order to prove its case against you, the prosecution will need to present evidence. If the evidence has gone missing, this could lead to a reduction in charges or a complete dismissal of your case.
• Entrapment: In some cases, law enforcement officers may use entrapment techniques to catch individuals committing a crime. If police entrapped you, you may be able to use this as a defense. However, the burden of proof is on you to prove that you were entrapped.

These are just a few of the possible defenses to drug possession charges. Every case is unique. An experienced Santa Rosa drug possession attorney can help you understand your options for defense and work to build the strongest possible case on your behalf.

How Long Does a Drug Possession Case Take?

The length of time it takes to resolve a drug possession case will depend on the specific circumstances of the case. A case involving a small amount of drugs may be resolved more quickly than a case involving a large amount of drugs, for example. In some cases, the prosecution may offer a plea deal, which could speed up the process. In other cases, the case may go to trial, which could take several months or longer. A Santa Rosa drug possession lawyer can help you understand what to expect and guide you through the legal process.

At Wilber Law Offices, P.C., we are committed to providing you with the personalized legal representation you need and deserve. Call us today at (707) 986-4482 or contact us online to get started with a Santa Rosa drug possession lawyer.