Santa Monica Drug Possession Attorney

Drug Possession Penalties in Santa Monica

California takes drug charges seriously and so should you. If you have been arrested for the possession of an illegal controlled substance, you need to do everything possible to defend yourself against the consequences of a guilty verdict. Illegal drugs in our state include marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and various hallucinogenic drugs, such as LSD and ecstasy. You can also be charged with possession if you are caught with a pharmaceutical drug for which you have no prescription. The police in Malibu, Westwood, and Venice will act swiftly on any evidence of illegal drug possession, and if you are arrested you will face vigorous prosecution.

The penalty you face varies greatly depending upon the quantity involved and other factors, such as prior convictions, as well as whether you are also charged with a drug crime such as distribution or cultivation. For example, misdemeanor possession of a small amount of marijuana will receive a lighter penalty than a felony conviction for possession of several kilos of cocaine. The sooner you take action by getting the help of an experienced Santa Monica criminal defense attorney, the better chance you will have of being able to resolve your case with absolutely no jail time. Depending upon your prior history, there are several drug education and rehabilitation programs available that, once completed, will result in your case being dismissed.