Drug Crimes Overview

San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer

Both state and federal law prohibit the cultivation, sale, distribution, manufacturing, possession and trafficking of controlled substances, including illegal narcotics as well as prescription drugs. While the majority of state crimes involving drugs are also illegal under federal law, the federal government will not usually become involved in a case unless it involves a large drug trafficking organization or interstate/international distribution. This will vary on a case by case basis, however, and state and federal agencies often collaborate in order to investigate suspected drug offenders and put them behind bars. Because many drug offenses are included in state and federal law, a defendant may actually face both state and federal charges. This is not considered double jeopardy (being tried twice for the same crime) because the courts are separate entities.

Penalties for Drug Crimes in San Diego County

The range of drug crimes and the penalties that may be imposed upon a conviction vary widely depending not only on the nature of the offense but also on the classification of the drug and the amount. Possession of a small amount of marijuana for personal use, for instance, is a much less serious charge than trafficking large amounts of ecstasy or LSD. Penalties for a drug crime may vary from a fine and community service all the way to life imprisonment. The jurisdiction and the offender's past criminal record will also affect potential sentencing.

Consult a San Diego Drug Crime Attorney

A defendant in a drug crime case should not take any chances with his or her legal counsel, particularly when so much is at stake. Learning more about your case and your rights from an experienced San Diego drug crime attorney may be exactly what you need to make the right choices about your case and your legal representation.

You can trust Superior Law Center to offer you the dedicated representation and personal attention you need. Contact us today!