Newport Beach Drug Crimes Attorneys
What Are the Drug Laws in California?
An Orange County drug conviction carries extremely harsh punishment that often includes fines, asset forfeiture, and registration as a narcotics offender and jail or prison time. The county has taken a harsh stance against those who are accused of drug offense, and our Newport Beach drug crime lawyers understand the best way to handle local cases. Some Orange County drug cases should be taken to trial, while others may be favorably resolved with a skillfully negotiated plea bargain that may result in alternative sentencing. Alternative sentencing may be available to help you avoid incarceration.
Alternatives to incarceration include:
- Deferred entry of judgment
- Proposition 36
- Drug court
Arrests on drug charges in Orange County are very common. Many Americans are ensnared in the failed “War on Drugs” on a yearly basis. Local, state, and federal governments continue to put billions of dollars into this failing program each year at the expense of American taxpayers. Despite the aggressive nature of this “war,” it is quite possible to build an effective defense against a drug charge.
Time matters when facing criminal drug charges. Contact our Newport Beach drug crimes attorneys today at (949) 251-0330 to begin your defense.
Drug Possession, Trafficking, & Distribution Penalties
Drug charges include possession, sale, or intent to distribute any type of drugs including powder cocaine, crack or base cocaine, marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine or PCP. Penalties for drug crimes vary based on which schedule of drug a person is accused of possessing. While drug crimes in California are frequently charged as misdemeanors, they are treated as felonies in specific instances.
Penalties for drug possession include:
- Possession of controlled substances (excluding marijuana) are charged as misdemeanors and are punishable by up to 1 year in county jail.
- Possession of more than 1 ounce of marijuana is punishable by up to 6 months or a fine of up to $500 (possession of less than 1 ounce is legal)
- Possession of over 8 grams of concentrated cannabis is punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a fine of up to $500 (possession of less than 8 grams is legal)
Penalties for drug trafficking or distribution may include:
- Felony sentencing of 3 to 5 years in prison
- 3, 6, or 9 years in state prison for employing a minor to sell or distribute drugs
- 16 months-6 years for transporting chemicals used as ingredients for manufacturing methamphetamine
Corrigan Welbourn Stokke is well-versed in every facet of drug charges, including fighting them successfully at the state and federal level. We will exhaust every option possible to ensure that the evidence against you is not taken to court, while also creating a tailored strategy for your situation.
Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC Drug Crime Legal Counsel
Corrigan Welbourn Stokke, APLC are experienced drug crime lawyers located in Orange County and can create the defense your situation needs. With more than 100 years of combined experience, our lawyers approach each case collaboratively. While other firms pass cases to associate lawyers, our clients receive the benefit of being represented by our founding attorneys.
An Orange County drug charge can negatively impact many aspects of your life. A criminal conviction can follow you for the rest of your life, long after you’ve served your time and paid your penalties. Fortunately, you can aggressively fight your charges with the help of a skilled Newport Beach drug crimes attorney. Corrigan Welbourn Stokke represents people throughout Orange County in Newport Beach, Westminster, Santa Ana, and Fullerton.
Call Corrigan Welbourn Stokke today to schedule a free case evaluation.