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A drug possession charge doesn’t have to define your future or strip away your opportunities. With the right legal representation, you can fight back, protect your rights, and reclaim control of your life.
At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we’ve stood beside countless individuals facing drug possession charges in Chula Vista. We’ve witnessed firsthand the fear, the uncertainty, and the overwhelming pressure our clients face. But we’ve also seen the power of a strong legal defense to turn the tables, challenge the prosecution’s case, and achieve outcomes that once seemed impossible.
We’re not just attorneys; we’re advocates, strategists, and tireless defenders of your rights. We understand the nuances of California drug laws, the tactics used by local law enforcement, and the most effective strategies to combat drug possession charges in Chula Vista courts.
California Health and Safety Code Section 11350 makes it illegal to possess certain controlled substances without a valid prescription. This includes drugs such as cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and many prescription medications.
It’s important to note that as of 2014, simple possession of most drugs for personal use is charged as a misdemeanor under Proposition 47 rather than a felony. However, this doesn’t mean these charges should be taken lightly. Even misdemeanor convictions can have serious consequences.
The penalties for drug possession can vary depending on factors such as the type and amount of drug, your criminal history, and the specific circumstances of your case.
Potential consequences may include:
In some cases, particularly for repeat offenders or cases involving large quantities of drugs, charges may be elevated to “possession with intent to sell,” which carries much harsher penalties.
At David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys, we approach each case with a strategy tailored to the unique circumstances. Some potential defense strategies we may explore include:
If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights during the search that led to your arrest, we may be able to have the evidence suppressed.
We may argue that you didn’t have knowledge of the drugs or that they didn’t belong to you, especially in cases where drugs were found in a shared space.
If you’re charged with possessing prescription drugs, we may be able to prove that you had a valid prescription.
For some clients, especially those struggling with addiction, we may be able to negotiate for entry into a drug diversion program instead of criminal penalties.
We’ll scrutinize the prosecution’s evidence, including the handling and testing of the alleged drugs, to identify any weaknesses in their case.
When you’re facing drug possession charges in Chula Vista, you need a defense team that combines legal acumen, local court experience, and a commitment to client advocacy.
Here’s why David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys stands out:
★ Deep Understanding of Local Courts: We have extensive experience representing clients in Chula Vista courts, giving us valuable insights into local legal procedures and tendencies of judges and prosecutors.
★ Comprehensive Case Analysis: We examine every aspect of your case, from the initial stop or search to the arrest and charging process, to build the strongest possible defense.
★ Personalized Attention: We believe in building strong attorney-client relationships. You’ll work directly with your attorney throughout your case, receiving regular updates and having your questions answered promptly.
★ Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully defended numerous clients against drug possession charges, often achieving case dismissals, charge reductions, or favorable plea agreements.
★ Focus on Rehabilitation: We understand that many drug possession cases stem from addiction issues. When appropriate, we advocate for treatment-based solutions that address the root cause rather than simply punishing the symptom.
If you or someone you love is facing criminal charges in California, swift action is imperative. The penalties can be life altering and long lasting. Give us a call today to set up a case evaluation with one of our attorneys and learn how to best protect your freedom and future.
Too often, we see clients who “wait and see,” unsure of the legal landscape ahead, only for charges to escalate. They then find themselves backpedaling into a bad defense and an even worse lawyer. Don’t let that happen to you. Protect your freedom. Protect your future. Know your rights.
The contents of this article and blog are meant for informational and marketing purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Viewing and/or use of the blog does not form an attorney-client relationship. No statements in this post are a guarantee, warranty, or prediction of a particular result in your case.
Here’s what you need to know to regain control of your future
You have questions. We have answers. Check out our answers to some of the more frequently asked questions (FAQs) below. Want more information or have a question not answered here about how you can regain control of your future if charged with a crime? Give us a call at (619) 295-3555.
Potentially. Possession can be actual (the drugs were on your person) or constructive (you had control over the area where the drugs were found). However, lack of knowledge or possession can be a strong defense in these cases.
Not necessarily. For many first-time offenders, we may be able to negotiate alternatives to jail time, such as probation or drug treatment programs.
Possession for personal use is typically charged as a misdemeanor, while possession with intent to sell is a felony with much harsher penalties. The distinction often comes down to factors like the quantity of drugs, possession of packaging materials or scales, and evidence of sales transactions.
Yes, if you possess prescription drugs without a valid prescription, you can face possession charges. Always keep your medications in their original, labeled containers.
Drug convictions can have serious immigration consequences, potentially leading to deportation or inadmissibility. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, it’s crucial to work with an attorney who understands the immigration implications of drug charges.
Drug diversion programs, such as those under California Penal Code 1000, allow eligible offenders to undergo treatment instead of criminal penalties. Eligibility depends on factors like the nature of the offense and your criminal history.
“I came to David Shapiro to end my probation early and expunge my case. I had a very positive and very informative experience with him. David and his assistant Maria were excellent and always kept in the loop of what was going on.”
“Helping good people get their lives back is not just a catch phrase. They mean what they say and are serious about taking care of the client. Ally Keegan and the team at Law Office of David Shapiro are AMAZING! My charges for a 25 plus year old case were dismissed, it was not easy but I truly believe that if I had went with any other Law Firm that the outcome would have been very different. Thank you Ally for helping me get my life back!”
“I called many lawyers after I got my DUI. Stefano was the only lawyer who put my mind at ease and gave me a sense of relief. He constantly communicated with me about my case and laid out all my options. He was willing and able to do whatever he could to help me. He went above and beyond what was expected.”
“I have used David 2 times in the past and he has by far exceeded my expectations. He has great knowledge and knows the system. He is straight forward and honest and somebody you can trust without doubt. I would recommend him to friends, family, and anybody that needs help. Best attorney I’ve ever come across.”
“Stefano Molea was extremely professional and consistently timely with responses to my questions. Most of all, Stefano was reliable. Stefano was diligent with discovery and always prepared and tenacious when relevant to the situation. Stefano is an attorney that you can count on for the best outcome. Thank you Stefano for all you did in my case. You’re so awesome!!!!”
“Ally was an absolute pleasure to work with. Her calm and reassuring demeanor was matched with her excellent knowledge, dedication, thoroughness. We unfortunately found ourselves in need of a criminal lawyer and we can without a doubt say that having Ally and her firm represent us from the beginning was the best choice we could have made.”
