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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"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 -
"He’s so down to earth and easy to talk to."
I made some stupid choices in 2015 that came back to hunt me January 2016. I was extremely scared of the thought of going to jail for a few years over a stupid choice I made the prior year. As soon as I talked to Mr. Vega, I instantly knew I wanted to hire him to represent me. It’s so unlike me to make such an important decision without doing a lot of research but I knew from speaking on the phone with him that he would be the one to help me. Although I was facing these charges and having to explain to him everything that happened, not one time did he make me feel like a criminal. He’s so down to Earth and easy to talk to. Mr. Vega was able to get me 90 days of house arrest which I was only required to do half of. Forever thankful for your help and would recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney!
- Amber -
"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 -
"I was really happy with how much compassion and attentiveness he showed through the whole court process."
Mr. Vega and his staff were very supportive and made sure you understood everything about your case. He was available to us 24/7 to answer any questions or concerns we had. I was really happy with how much compassion and attentiveness he showed through the whole court process. I appreciate his help so much and recommend Mr. Vega if you are looking for a confident and dependable lawyer.
- Monique -
"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 -
"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 -
"Mr. Vega reassured me that he would do his best and was with me every step of the way"
Mr. Vega is an amazing attorney and I would recommend him to anyone!!! Let me just be frank my case was looking unbelievably scary! I had 150,000 bail was looking at federal charges and my entire life was in jeopardy...multiple felonies. Mr. Vega reassured me that he would do his best and was with me every step of the way answered every question, every phone call, every time!!! I ended up receiving a misdemeanor and sheriff work release 120 days, after facing 4 years state/ 10 years federal!! Now if my review doesn't convince you then idk what will but he was worth every single penny and I'll love him for life, he saved my life!
- Avant -
"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