Los Angeles Drug Crime Attorney

In the early 1980s, the war on drugs significantly influenced the prosecution of drug cases, setting a precedent for decades to come. Both the state and federal court systems have historically imposed lengthy prison sentences on offenders connected to drug crimes. However, there has been a noticeable shift in Los Angeles County's approach to drug-related crimes, reflecting a more progressive and nuanced understanding of the issue.

Unlawful possession of drugs is covered under California Health and Safety Code 11350(a). Drug possession for sales is covered under California Health and Safety Code 11351. Possession of drug paraphernalia is covered under California Health and Safety Code 11364. The liberal governor of California and the voters have passed many propositions and expressed their disdain for these long prison sentences that have crowded our prison system for many years.

Many law enforcement offenses are angry and frustrated with the system and are not arresting as many people for drug-related crimes. And judges and prosecutors do not seem to bend on getting people involved with drugs. It is still serious business if you are charged with a drug-related offense.

Courts are Tough on Drug Crimes

I've been defending people charged with a drug crime in Los Angeles courthouses for the past 27 years. I have a lot of experience in how vice and the various narcotic detectives deal with these narcotic cases.

Some of these narcotic cases are simple sales cases, while others are more sophisticated, involving large amounts of drugs, weapons, and all sorts of different issues related to drugs. They've been very tough on crime in Los Angeles for many years, specifically drug-related offenses.  San Fernando court, for example, is very well known for putting people in prison, especially people who are involved in:

  • more than one drug-related offense,
  • whether it be sales or possession for sales.

For instance, on a second offense, the first offense could be used as a three-year prior, and an additional two or three years could be added for the new offense, resulting in a potential sentence of five or six years.  This has been the norm for most of my career.

Policies of New Los Angeles District Attorney

Policies of New Los Angeles District Attorney

They have slid off that path over the last five to ten years, and they've been much more reasonable, even though you're still looking at the prison for a second offense.

The new head prosecutor of Los Angeles County has indicated that he will not be seeking any enhancements in recent times.

This includes a three-year prior enhancement for drugs against individuals charged with drug-related offenses in the San Fernando Valley and Los Angeles County. Additionally, several propositions have been passed.

Many of these crimes, for which people were looking at years in prison, have not shrunk down to probation, and even in some cases, there is no jail if it's handled the right way.

Retain an Experienced Criminal Lawyer

Having a skilled local attorney on your side can significantly increase your chances of avoiding the severe penalties often associated with drug offenses. Specifically, you need an experienced drug crime attorney from the Hedding Law Firm to defend your case effectively.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug offense in Los Angeles, Van Nuys, San Fernando, Sylmar, Burbank, and Glendale, you owe to yourself to call our firm and set up a free face-to-face consultation with one of our top attorneys. We specialize in Van Nuys drug crime cases. You will be educated on how the system works in the particular courthouse your case is in, and in many cases, we can design a plan to prevent a conviction from going on your record! Our drug crime lawyers will be by your side every step of the way.

Avoid Jail Time and Seeking Reduced Drug Charges

So, if you or a loved one is charged with a drug offense in Los Angeles, you're in the right place. I've seen the evolution from many years ago to the present. You have a chance:

  • not only to stay out of prison and jail, but
  • to reduce some of these offenses down to a misdemeanor,
  • avoid probation,
  • avoid tarnishing your record with a criminal conviction.

The new head DA sees the benefit in trying to educate people and trying to help people who are charged with some of these severe drug offenses. Instead of warehousing them in a prison or a jail, try to help them, work with them, and treat them.  Many of these people are selling drugs and are also using drugs themselves.

Defenses for California Drug Crimes

When it comes to charges involving possession of narcotics (marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, PCP, heroin, ecstasy, etc.), there is a good chance we can assist you in avoiding a conviction on your criminal record. Our first plan of attack depends on the factual scenario of each case. There are often issues with the police officers' probable cause to search your car, home, or person. Under the Fourth Amendment of the United States Constitution, each citizen is protected against illegal search and seizure.

The police need consent, difficult circumstances, probable cause, or a warrant to search someone's home, car, or person. If there are any discrepancies in the police reports, we pounce on them and point them out in a 1538.5 motion to suppress evidence or other applicable motions. If this motion is granted, drug evidence is inadmissible and cannot be used against the defendant.

A drug conviction can ruin a person's record and a chance for future employment. It can also destroy a person's reputation and ability to attain a higher position in their current career. If you are charged with a drug charge, you should contact us immediately and set up an appointment with our drug crime defense lawyers. County. This decision could help prevent a life-altering consequence.

California Proposition 36 and Prop 47

Proposition 36 and, more recently, Proposition 47 have been passed by California voters to bring some relief to people who have made mistakes with drugs and alcohol. More than ever, the State realizes we are not punishing all low-life junkies or drunks that deserve what they get.

We were being very harsh on these people, these people who are our friends, brothers, sisters, moms, dads, cousins, and neighbors. Our law firm treats our clients like we would our friends and family; we look out for each individual, making every effort to remove the drugs and criminal court system from their lives.

Our goal is to get our clients back home where they want to be, back working, succeeding, and most importantly, back with their families. If I cannot do that, my experience as a drug crime lawyer in the San Fernando Valley will be of no use. Drug charges such as trafficking, cultivating, distributing, and manufacturing are more severe and prosecuted vigorously. That is why our attorneys step up to the plate and do everything we can to help.

If you have been charged with possession for sales, drug conspiracy, or prescription drug fraud, the consequences and stakes are much higher than a simple possession case. You could be facing prison time, and you must contact a reputable law firm to protect your freedom, reputation, and rights immediately. We have handled thousands of narcotics cases and can be a valuable advocate on your side.

Can I Get Rehabilitation Instead Of Jail Time?

If you get charged with a felony drug offense in Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley, or surrounding counties, you have a severe case. As a result of recent changes in California drug laws, most possession cases that were previously considered felonies are now misdemeanors.

This means that if you've received a felony drug charge, you were probably selling, transporting, or possessing a drug for sale, resulting in severe consequences. If you are convicted of a felony drug charge, you will lose your right to vote and use or possess firearms.

You should obtain a criminal defense lawyer who deals with felony drug offenses. I've been dealing with this for 25 years. If my client has been charged with a serious drug offense, I will try to get the case dismissed; if that's not possible, I will try to get it reduced to a misdemeanor.

If you are facing a felony drug case in one of the LA County courts, I suggest you call me. We can discuss what happened, what ramifications you face, and how we can put you in the best possible position to move forward with your criminal matter.

Penalties for Drug Crime Conviction 

If convicted of a drug crime, the person may be sentenced to jail time, fines, court, legal fees, court-ordered treatment programs, community service, and probation. The length and severity of the sentence will depend upon the type of drug the person possessed, the amount of the drug, and whether there was drug trafficking.

The sentence will also depend upon if the person has been convicted of prior drug crimes and if the person has a previous criminal record. Additionally, the court will consider if the person solicited a minor or used a little during the commission of the drug crime or if they are a gang member. We also handle juveniles arrested for drug offenses. You may be eligible for the Diversion program, an alternative to a jail sentence. Discuss your case with our San Fernando Valley drug crime attorney to understand the different possibilities and outcomes it can have.

Requirements for a Diversion Program

  1. You have no priors involving controlled substances.
  2. The offense charged did not involve a crime of violence or threatened violence
  3. There is no evidence of other violations relating to narcotics or restricted dangerous drugs
  4. Your record does not show revocation of probation or parole without completion
  5. Your record does not show that you have completed or been terminated from diversion within five years before the alleged charge.
  6. You have no prior felony conviction within five years.

If you have been charged with a drug crime in LA County, you need to consult with a reputable drug crime attorney immediately. A lawyer will have the forensic knowledge, investigative resources, and legal training it takes to fight your drug offense charges successfully.

Drug Charges Involving DUI

Have you been arrested for driving under the influence of drugs? If so, you were likely charged with a DUI (driving under the influence). While most people are accustomed to seeing this charge associated with alcohol, prosecutors aggressively pursue individuals seemingly on drugs at their DUI stop.

Because your drug charges will be coupled with a DUI offense, you will be going through the same criminal process that all other DUI arrests go through. This includes suspending your driver's license (through the DMV) and a separate criminal case prosecuting you for Driving Under the Influence.

You want to meet with your attorney as much as necessary to feel confident that you have given them all the information and details related to the case. You should also feel sure that your attorney has answered all your questions about the case and that you understand what you are being charged with, the potential defenses you have, and the penalties you face.

If you have been charged with DUI while under the influence of drugs, call us today to discuss the details of your arrest and schedule a DMV hearing to help save your driver's license. Remember, you only have ten days from the point of your arrest to protest these charges and protect your driving privileges. Our attorneys understand people's adverse consequences when convicted of a drug crime. That is why we do everything we can to fight for our clients.

Experienced Drug Defense Lawyer

So, the tables have now turned.  The stage is currently set to do many things with these drug cases. In my opinion, though, you need someone who knows drug defense in Los Angeles, the prosecutors, the judges, and the police.

Experienced Drug Defense Lawyer in the San Fernando Valley

Many of these cases can also be trimmed down with a powerful motion that knocks out some of the prosecutor's firepower. Many times, especially in these significant drug cases, the police are cutting corners and doing things the wrong way. Therefore, we can get motions granted—whether it be an illegal search.

Sometimes, they get a search warrant, but the warrant is not adequately obtained. Now, they can't search anybody's cell phone unless they get a contract to do so.

They can't just grab it off of somebody and start searching through it unless the person is stupid enough to give their consent. So, all sorts of things can be done if you or a loved one is charged with a drug-related offense, possession for sales, or sales in Los Angeles, pick up the phone.

Make the call now.  Many things can help you if you know how to defend these cases the right way. Ask for Ron Hedding.  Take the first step towards helping you with your problem, getting you out of the criminal court as fast as possible.

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