El Segundo Drug Crimes Lawyer

Effective Criminal Defense Representation in El Segundo, Inglewood, Torrance, Culver City, & Surrounding Areas

California's drug laws are complex and encompass a broad range of offenses, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies. These laws regulate illegal drugs, prescription drugs, and certain chemicals used to manufacture drugs.

Under California Health and Safety Code § 11350(a) HS, you can be charged with a misdemeanor for the illegal possession of a controlled substance, whether it is a street drug, such as cocaine, or an unauthorized prescription drug, such as OxyContin. This is commonly referred to as “simple possession.” 

However, more serious offenses can be charged, such as possession with intent to sell or distribute, sales, manufacture, and trafficking. Drug crimes can be charged at the state level and the federal level in large-scale drug operations, such as importation across state lines. 

If you are subject to a law enforcement criminal investigation of drug offenses or have been arrested for such a crime, you can turn to Rollins Law Group. We have defended clients on drug-related charges since 1997. With that length of experience devoted solely to state and federal criminal charges, we have the knowledge and skills to build effective defense strategies. 

Our drug crimes defense attorney and team work hard to protect your rights, challenge the evidence, and minimize the consequences on your life. Whether negotiating a plea bargain, arguing for a diversion program, or fighting your case at trial, we are committed to delivering the best possible outcome in both state and federal drug charges. 

Reserve your free initial consultation with a Sout drug crime attorney by calling us at (310) 807-2282 or contacting us online. 

Drug Crimes in California

As mentioned above, drug crimes can range from simple possession for one’s own use to extensive manufacturing operations and cross-border trafficking. How you are charged in any drug crime will depend on the type and quantity of drugs involved, the activities you were engaged in, whether weapons were used, whether minors were involved, your criminal history, and other circumstances. 

Like other states, California has created a “schedule” of controlled substances under its laws modeled after the federal list. It contains five groups of drugs listed in categories based on their medical use, potential for abuse, and safety. 

For example, Schedule I and II are the most dangerous, which include drugs such as LSD, ecstasy, heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, and opioids like oxycodone. Understanding the classifications of controlled substances is crucial when facing drug charges, as the penalties associated typically correlate with the drug's assigned schedule.

For example, simple possession of a controlled substance for your own personal use is commonly charged as a misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a county jail sentence of up to a year. However, if you are convicted of possession for sale, you can be charged with a felony that could result in up to four years in state prison.