Modesto, CA Drug Crimes Lawyers

Protecting Your Rights & Fighting for Your Freedom in Stanislaus, Sacramento & Fresno Counties

Controlled substances have been made illegal in California under Health and Safety Code 11350(a). Under this law, you will be charged with a misdemeanor when found to be in possession of any controlled substance. This includes prescription medicines without an authorized prescription. “Controlled substances” can include both street drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and more as well as prescription medicines, such as Adderall, Vicodin, OxyContin, Xanax, and more. 

If you are facing any type of drug crime, whether it involves simple possession for your own use or possession of large amounts of drugs, dealing in drugs, or any other controlled substance activity or operation, you should immediately seek our help. At Forkner Orlando & Echevarria, we put decades of experience as well as outstanding expertise on your side with the insight and skills of our Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Our team is here to protect your rights while engaging in a comprehensive investigation and fact-finding related to your arrest and charges. Where errors, inconsistencies, or flaws in the prosecutor’s case appear, we will expose them to challenge the charges against you in seeking a case dismissal, reduction of charges, or not-guilty verdict at trial. 

Contact Forkner Orlando & Echevarria to book your complimentary consultation with a Modesto, CA drug crimes attorney to discuss your case and options. We can be reached via our email form or by phone at (209) 753-4009. Hablamos español.

Drug Charges in California

Drug charges in California are based on several factors, including the following:

• The type of drugs found in your possession
• The amount of drugs found in your possession
• Your prior drug criminal history if any
• Aggravating factors, such as involving minors, the use of deadly weapons, and more

Charges can range from first-offense misdemeanors to multiple felonies, based on the nature of the offense and the above factors. 

Charges can include:

• Simple possession for your own use
• Possession with intent to sell
• Sales/distribution
• Drug manufacturing or cultivation
• Drug importation/transportation and trafficking
• Conspiracy
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

Large-scale drug operations, such as interstate trafficking can be charged as federal crimes after investigations by such agencies as the DEA or FBI. These can result in serious penalties such as prison terms in federal prisons, hefty fines, asset forfeiture, and years of probation. 

Misdemeanor Drug Charges

Simple possession for your own use charged as a misdemeanor carries the following potential penalties:

• Up to a year of incarceration in county jail and/or
• A fine of up to $1,000

In these cases, courts have the discretion to impose other penalties, such as community service hours, probation instead of jail time, or drug treatment. California has established drug courts where nonviolent offenders can undergo rehabilitation programs instead of a trial. Upon successful completion of such programs, your charges may be dropped with no conviction on your criminal record. 

Working to Help You Seek Favorable Results

No matter what type of drug charge(s) you face, whether a misdemeanor at the state level or multiple felonies at the federal level, our team can help. With decades of experience defending clients of all types of drug crimes, we know how to investigate charges, uncover evidence that can work in your favor, negotiate with or challenge prosecutors, and aggressively represent you in court.