Drug Sentencing Laws in CA

Effective Counsel from Our Pasadena Drug Crimes Lawyer

There are many different strategies for handling a drug case. Prosecutors are aware of the options available to those convicted as recreational users of narcotics and are becoming more and more aggressive in responsive. For example, prosecutors will over file charges, also charging simple traffic misdemeanors in order to make the offender ineligible for drug treatment. That is why it is so important that you contact a criminal defense lawyer familiar with this particularly dynamic area of criminal defense.

At The Law Offices of Paul S. Geller, our Pasadena drug crimes attorney is a former Los Angeles prosecutor with an intimate understanding of our court system. Mr. Geller knows how to guide his clients’ toward the most favorable outcome possible both in and outside the courtroom. If you or a loved one have been charged with a drug crime, our firm is ready to help you assess your options.

We’re ready to partner with you at this critical time. Contact us today to explore your options with a free initial case evaluation.

Alternative Sentencing Options

Not every drug offense requires lengthy trial or even harsh criminal penalties. California has established several alternative sentencing programs for drug offense defendants (specifically those charged solely with possession) who meet certain requirements and are willing to meet other obligations other than jail time or fines.

These alternative sentencing options include:

• One option for the person convicted as a first-time offender is referred to as “DEJ”, or Deferred Entry of Judgment. This allows the offender to complete a drug program and results in a dismissal of the case.
• Another option is what is referred to as “Prop 36” (Proposition 36). This relatively recent law allows an offender who meets certain criteria to complete a more comprehensive, intensive drug program. If the offender completes the program, the case will be dismissed. During the time the offender is doing the program, the person is on probation. If the offender is violated on probation more than twice, the person could be sent to state prison. Additionally, this failure to complete Prop 36 drug treatment could affect his or her options in the future.

All drug convictions result in the requirement that a person registers with their local law enforcement as a narcotics offender. Call our offices today for more information on these programs.

Qualified Counsel You Can Count On

When investigated or arrested for a drug crime, it is very important that you contact a criminal defense lawyer familiar with all of the available options, let alone how to properly defend your case and fight for you. We will do everything we can, which includes taking your case to trial, to get you the proper result. At The Law Offices of Paul S. Geller, you’ll benefit from the knowledge and insight of a former prosecutor who is well aware of the challenges our clients face and how to best ensure a favorable outcome is swiftly secured.

Do not proceed with your drug charge until you know what your options are. Call our offices at (626) 714-3112 today.