Temecula Drug Crime Lawyer

Trusted Drug Crime Attorney in Temecula, CA

Being charged with a drug crime can leave you feeling scared and overwhelmed. You might feel like no one is on your side. You do not have to face these charges alone. A Temecula drug crime lawyer can review your case and help advocate for your rights and interests. Regardless of the specific drug crime you are facing, an experienced drug crime lawyer can help you build an appropriate defense for your situation.

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

When you hire a drug crime lawyer, you want someone who understands California drug laws and how they apply to your case. When you hire Suzanne M. Ferguson, Attorney at Law, you benefit from her years of experience representing California clients going through difficult situations. With Attorney Ferguson, you gain an advocate with strong negotiation and litigation skills who is ready to represent your case through any conclusion.

Drug Crimes in California

Drug crimes are a serious concern in California, and as such, the penalties for conviction of a drug crime can be severe. According to the United States Sentencing Commission, during fiscal year 2024, drug crimes made up 42.5% of all sentenced individuals, compared with 29.6% nationally. The three most commonly seen drugs in California included:

• 60.7% methamphetamine
• 20.2% fentanyl
• 13.1% powder cocaine

Of those individuals in California sentenced to a crime during fiscal year 2024, 17 were sentenced for drug possession, and 1,889 were sentenced for drug trafficking. Compared with national sentencing figures, drug possession and drug trafficking convictions are twice the national average.

If you are charged with a drug crime in Temecula, CA your case is heard at the Southwest Justice Center, located in nearby Murrieta. All felony drug and misdemeanor hearings are held at the Southwest Justice Center, located at 30755-D Auld Road.

Types of Drug Crimes

There are many drug crimes recognized in California. When facing accusations of any drug crime, you need the experienced representation of a Temecula drug crime attorney. Some of the most commonly charged drug crimes include:

• Simple possession. Having small amounts of illegal substances for personal use.
• Marijuana possession. When minors or adults 21 or older have more than the legal limit of marijuana.
• Possession of paraphernalia. Having in your possession items commonly used to consume illegal substances.
• Possession with intent to sell. Having larger amounts of illegal substances in quantities larger than those for personal use, or while also possessing items commonly used in the sale of illegal drugs, such as baggies, scales, or large amounts of cash.
• Sale, transportation, or distribution. Engaging in the act of selling, furnishing, administering, importing, or transporting an illegal substance, or operating an unlicensed commercial dispensary.
• Drug manufacturing. Participating in the compounding, production, or processing of an illegal substance.
• DUI of drugs. Driving under the influence of any drug that can cause impairment, including both legal and illegal substances.

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Common Defenses to Drug Crimes

A drug crime charge does not guarantee a conviction. A skilled drug crime attorney can craft a defense based on the unique facts of your case. Some common defense strategies for drug crimes include:

• Illegal search and seizure. If evidence was collected during an illegal search and seizure, your attorney can file to have that evidence excluded from your case.
• Lack of possession. When drug evidence is found in a shared area, it may be difficult for the prosecution to prove that you had actual or constructive possession of those substances.
• Procedural errors. When an error is made in your case, such as officers forgetting to read you your Miranda rights, it could affect which evidence is admissible in your case.
• Insufficient evidence. If the evidence is weak, prosecutors may have to drop the charges or offer a favorable plea agreement.
• Lack of knowledge. For a crime to be committed, you had to have knowledge that you were doing something illegal. If you were unaware of the drugs, your case may be dismissed.

FAQs

What Happens if You Get Caught With Drugs in California?

If you are arrested for a drug charge in California, the penalties you face depend on the type of drug, the total amount, whether the drugs were for personal use or distribution, and your criminal history. First-time misdemeanor charges are likely to qualify for diversion programs, while more serious charges and offenders with a history of drug charges could face several years in prison if convicted.

What Is the Three Strikes Rule for Drugs in California?

In California, certain qualifying felonies count toward enhanced sentencing provisions. When an offender is repeatedly sentenced for serious or violent felony charges, they face harsher penalties than an offender facing their first charge.

Drug offenses are considered wobblers and may or may not count as a serious felony depending on the quantity of the drug involved in the offense. When a third strike involves a large quantity of illegal drugs, it exempts the charge from Proposition 36 reforms.

What Is California’s Adult Use of Marijuana Act?

California Proposition 64, also known as the Adult Use of Marijuana Act, allows adults who are 21 years of age or older to possess up to 28.5 grams of marijuana flower, 8 grams of concentrated cannabis, and up to 6 marijuana plants per residence. The Act also reduced criminal penalties for some marijuana-related crimes and allowed for dismissals and record sealing for eligible marijuana-related convictions.

Can I Get Drug Charges Removed From My Record in California?

Yes, you can get drug charges removed from your record in California. There are several ways to get drug charges removed. An expungement is possible after you have completed your probation and petitioned the courts to have the case dismissed. Proposition 47 allows felony charges to be reduced to a misdemeanor. The Clean Slate Act automatically reviews records for dismissals or sealing.

Contact Suzanne M. Ferguson, Attorney at Law

Attorney Ferguson believes in experienced, strategic, and personalized representation for every client she represents. When you’re facing accusations of a drug crime, you need a strong ally who understands the challenges you are facing and can offer experienced advice on your next steps. When your freedom is on the line, you need clarity, structure, and leverage. Contact Suzanne M. Ferguson, Attorney at Law, today to schedule your initial consultation.