DRUG CRIMES DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN TORRANCE, CALIFORNIA
Have you or someone you loved been charged with a drug crime? Do not wait to retain an experienced lawyer. Torrance drug crimes defense attorney Michael D. Shook has handled numerous cases and skillfully fought misdemeanor and felony charges. Whether you have been falsely accused or made a mistake, Attorney Shook can aggressively defend your rights and freedoms. To discuss your charges and how he can help, contact our office.
Get a Complimentary Consultation with Attorney Michael D. Shook(310) 361-2977 or Reach Out Online Now.
Understanding Drug Crime Charges in California
California law prohibits individuals from possessing, distributing, manufacturing, and using certain controlled substances.
Common types of drug crimes that our state prosecutes include:
- Possession: This involves possessing a controlled substance. The severity of charges for this offense depends on the quantity and type of drug.
- Possession with Intent to Sell: If someone has drugs in their possession and there is evidence to suggest they intend to sell or distribute those drugs, they can be charged with this crime.
- Drug Trafficking: This offense can involve transporting, selling, or distributing larger quantities of controlled substances. Should a person transport drugs across state lines or international borders, they could face federal charges.
- Drug Manufacturing: Producing or cultivating a controlled substance in California is generally illegal. However, it is legal to grow up to six cannabis plants, but a person must adhere to local guidelines for at-home growing.
- Drug Selling: Without a proper license, directly selling a controlled substance or facilitating a transaction is illegal.
- Drug Paraphernalia: It is illegal in California to possess paraphernalia that may be used to smoke or inject a controlled substance. The state has separate laws for marijuana paraphernalia.
- Prescription Drug Fraud: Illegally obtaining or distributing prescription drugs, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, without a valid prescription is a crime.
Classification of Controlled Substances in California
The law regulates certain substances because of their potential for abuse or addiction and their negative effects on individuals and society. These substances have been termed “controlled substances.”
Controlled substances fall into classifications, which are called schedules. A substance’s medical use and potential for abuse determine its schedule. Schedule I substances, according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), are most likely to be addictive and have no medicinal value (except marijuana, which has various medicinal uses).
Schedule II, III, IV, and V substances have progressively more accepted medical uses and less addictive qualities, according to the DEA.
California’s Marijuana Laws
Below we have detailed need-to-know information about California’s marijuana laws:
Who Can Use Marijuana?
In California, it is legal for individuals over 21 to purchase and recreationally use marijuana products. It is also legal for individuals older than 18 to use marijuana medicinally.
Where Can You Buy Marijuana?
It is legal to purchase marijuana products from retailers licensed by California’s Department of Cannabis Control. Obtaining marijuana from individuals or organizations that do not have a license is illegal.
Where Can You Use Marijuana?
Transporting marijuana purchased in California across state lines is illegal. Using marijuana in national parks or other federal lands is also illegal.
When smoking marijuana, individuals must not do so where it is illegal to smoke tobacco products, and they must also be at least 1,000 feet away from places such as schools.
Marijuana and Drug DUI
California law prohibits drivers from operating a vehicle under the influence of any drug, including marijuana. The penalties for drug DUI charges are the same for those that involve alcohol. A conviction could result in jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, and a license suspension.
Arrested for a Drug Crime in Los Angeles County? Call Our Office.
No matter how serious your situation may or may not seem, do not wait to contact an experienced lawyer if you have been arrested for a drug crime. The penalties for these offenses can range from months in jail and hundreds of dollars in fines to years of incarceration and fines that amount to thousands. With so much at stake, turn to someone you can trust to defend your rights and freedoms.
Torrance drug crimes defense lawyer Michael D. Shook has represented thousands of clients throughout decades of practicing law. You can confidently put your case in his experienced hands. Not only that, but his services are affordable, and clients needing payment plans can set them up. Set up a free case review to find out what Attorney Shook could offer you.
Call (310) 361-2977 or connect online.