Sacramento Drug Crimes Attorney
Experienced Defense Against Drug Crime Charges in California
Facing drug crime charges can be stressful. These cases tend to be complicated and require a thoughtful, airtight defense. At the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega, our criminal defense attorney is well-versed in how Sacramento County prosecutors handle drug crime charges and can put that knowledge to work for you.
We work diligently for our clients. With our detail-oriented approach, we can uncover all your legal options and provide you with the counsel you need to feel supported in court.
Can You Get Drug Charges Dropped?
At the bare minimum, if the state cannot prove "scientifically" that you had an illegal substance, then your case needs to be dropped. Anything from concerns with reading your Miranda rights to a history of addiction, could potentially help you prevent prison time when confronted with possession charges.
Like all other types of possession, drug crimes are considered felonies and misdemeanors, resulting in hefty repercussions. Indictments may range from several class felonies to prison life and substantial fines.
The class by which a person faces charges can depend on the type of drugs, with more dangerous drugs receiving more steep penalties and whether or not the defendant intended to sell to minors.
To discuss your case with an experienced drug crime lawyer in Sacramento, call the Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega at (916) 249-9417 or contact us online.
Types of Drug Crimes in California
Criminal charges associated with drug crimes may be charged as either misdemeanors or felonies.
Common drug charges that we defend against include:
- Drug possession
- Possession with the intent to sell
- Selling to a minor
- Possession or selling near a school
- Drug manufacturing
- Drug trafficking or smuggling
- Marijuana crimes
- Schedule I drug crimes
The circumstances of the alleged crime will determine how you are charged.
Some of the factors that will affect how you are charged include:
- Whether this is your first offense
- The kind, amount, or monetary value of the controlled substances involved
- If minor children are involved
What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in California?
Though California’s drug laws are more lenient than many other states’ laws, those convicted of a drug crime may still face serious penalties. You may be facing thousands of dollars in fines, jail time, and the loss of personal rights.
Additionally, having a criminal record may inhibit your ability to find employment, secure housing, or attend college. Whether you are facing a misdemeanor or a felony, you must take your charges seriously.
What Is a Felony Drug Charge in California?
In California, a felony drug charge carries a maximum sentence of more than one year in prison. The most general severe drug felonies can carry a life prison sentence. In addition, some drug possession crimes in California are certain offenses are alternative felonies or misdemeanors.
The jurisdiction classifies these drug offenses as 'wobblers.'
What is the Sentence for Drug Possession in California?
Possession of controlled substances for personal use, deemed “simple possession,” is classified as a misdemeanor offense, punishable by up to one year in county jail, community services, and/or a fine of up to $1,000. Controlled Substances fall under Schedules I - V varying by the medical uses, severity. A secondary offense can increase the fine up to $2,000 (or community service) and bring up to two years in a county jail.
What is a Serious Felony?
A misdemeanor offense can become a felony if you are a registered sex offender or have been convicted of what is deemed a “serious” felony.
Serious felonies include:
- Assault
- Rape
- Attempted murder
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Bank robbery
- Murder
- Arson
- Carjacking
- Kidnapping
- First-degree burglary
What is the Three Strikes Law in California?
California has a “three strikes” program in place, which means that if you are charged with two felonies involving serious or violent offenses in the state, you may be subject to 25 years to life in prison on your third offense.
Differing Possession Laws
Possession of a controlled hard substances with the intent to sell, possession near a school, distribution of drugs, sale of drugs, selling or distributing drugs to minors, or drug trafficking offenses carry stricter penalties under California Health and Safety Code 11352.
Contact Our Sacramento Drug Crime Lawyer Today
Our Sacramento drug crime lawyer has extensive experience handling all types of drug crime cases in Sacramento County. When you work with us, you can be sure that you will always be treated with care and respect. We work diligently to uncover all your legal options, ensuring that you are well informed when making important legal decisions. We provide straightforward guidance that puts your best interests first.
The Law Office of Gilbert B. Vega offers free in-person and phone consultations. Contact our Sacramento drug crime attorney today at (916) 249-9417.
Client Reviews Speak Volumes
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"They helped stabilize my life again."
Mr. Gilberto Vega is a professional that is very compassionate and generous. I am very grateful to him because he helped my case. His assistants were a great help as well. They helped stabilize my life again. Thank you very much.
- Rosa -
"He turned my life around by making sure that all the false charges against me were dropped."
Mr. Gilbert Vega is an excellent lawyer who is compassionate and knows his craft. He turned my life around by making sure that all the false charges against me were dropped. My family and I are very thankful for Gilbert. Because he kept his word and did what he promised... Thanks again Mr. Vega
- Former Client -
"Gilbert Vega is an honest lawyer who is knowledgeable, respectful and gives you his time."
Gilbert Vega is a great lawyer, he is great a keeping communication and being informative. In our particular case he seemed to know the marijuana laws in California very well. I had a family member incarcerated with 2 strikes. I talked with 1 lawyer before Mr. Vega who he pretty much told me my brother would be facing a 25 to life sentence, no help at all but was very eager to take my money. Desperate, we found Mr. Vega and after talking with him, hired and paid him. We trusted he would help us take the sentence down and the rate he gave me was a lot more affordable than the previous lawyer. His rate was a flat fee which included travel time and his services through the whole process. We appreciate him for all he did and he was willing to give me a refund after hearing my brother had been released. Gilbert Vega is an honest lawyer who is knowledgeable, respectful and gives you his time, same with his staff. I recommend this lawyer to anyone. I will definitely hire him again should it be necessary.
- Ashley -
"I would highly recommend Mr. Vega to everyone who is in need of an attorney."
Although it was a bad situation, I had a positive experience working with Mr. Vega. I would highly recommend Mr. Vega to everyone who is in need of an attorney. I thank you so much, Mr. Vega!
- Bill -
"He handled it perfectly and was able to get it cleared up."
Mr. Vega did an outstanding job handling a background check error. It almost caused me not to get hired with InShape health clubs. He handled it perfectly and was able to get it cleared up and I was able to start working!! If I am ever in need of an attorney again, I will definitely give him a call. Thank you very much, Mr. Vega!!!
- Nick -
"Regardless of the charges you are facing, he will treat you as a person and not what the paper says about you."
Hiring an attorney can be a stressful process. Mr.Vega was very helpful right from the very first phone call. He is very down to earth, and was able to explain things so that I understood. My husband was facing felony drug charges, and a possible 6 year sentence. He took the case seriously and made us feel like we mattered and that we had a voice. Regardless of the charges you are facing, he will treat you as a person and not what the paper says about you. He was able to get a very good deal that we didn't think was possible and in fact were told by other attorneys was out of the question. My husband was able to get all charges but one dismissed, 1 year of county jail , with half, credit for time served and probation and the ability to apply for early release via the work project program. That's amazing. He was willing to negotiate to come up with a payment plan to fit the needs of everyone involved. I'm 100% happy with his service and would highly recommend him to anyone.
- Paris -
"I highly recommend him."
Gilbert was a great help. Things were looking bad. The DA was trying to give me 3 years and a felony on my record. Thanks to Gilbert I was given a misdemeanor until I finish my diversion classes then its expunged from my record. I highly recommend him.
- Nikolas -
"Mr. Vega got some charges dropped and got me deal of one year in Sac County with half time"
Mr.Vega was a great beacon of hope when I was incarcerated last June of 2014. I was charged with some serious crimes and was facing 10 years in prison but Mr.Vega got some charges dropped and got me deal of one year in Sac County with half time so I served 6 months. His team and he are the best. I will always be thankful.
- Former Client