Orange County Drug Possession Lawyer

Possession of Illegal Drugs

In California, the possession of an illegal controlled substance or unlawful possession of a prescription drug may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the type of substance. The amount may also impact the potential drug possession charges and penalties that a defendant faces, particularly when law enforcement suspects that the defendant may have had the drugs in his or her possession with the intent to sell or distribute these (possession for sale).

Have you been arrested for drug possession in Orange County? Take a moment to contact the Law Offices of Fred Thiagarajah today. We offer a free initial consultation with an experienced Orange County drug crime attorney at our firm, offering you the opportunity to learn more about your charges and what we can do to assist you. You probably have many questions. You may be feeling unsure about your future and what can be done to avoid a conviction and imprisonment. By talking to a lawyer at our firm about your concerns, you can get a clear picture of what you're up against.

Penalties and Alternative Sentencing for Drug Possession in Orange County, CA

Most often, possession of a small amount of a controlled substance will be charged as a misdemeanor, where the defendant may face up to 12 months in county jail upon a conviction. However, drug possession involving cocaine, certain prescription drugs, or heroin is a felony offense in California. A conviction of this kind may result in imprisonment in a California state prison for up to 3 years.

However, many drug possession cases qualify for alternative sentencing under California's Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act, which allows for mandatory rehabilitation or treatment in lieu of jail time.

Learn more about your legal rights and how you can challenge your drug charges. Contact an Orange County drug possession lawyer at the Law Offices of Fred Thiagarajah today!