Strategic Federal And State Criminal Defense

Defending California Clients Against All Types Of Drug Crime Charges

Law enforcement agencies at every level of government continue to place an extremely high priority on identifying and prosecuting drug-related crimes. If you have been arrested for any type of drug crime, you can rest assured that government prosecutors will use all necessary resources to build an ironclad case against you. Be sure that you have a defense lawyer with the ability to match them. At the Law Office of Thomas A. Johnson, we provide aggressive, proactive defense representation to clients throughout Northern California.

Skillful Defense In Any Drug Crime Case

People who are suspects in any drug crime case have specific rights under the law, and the investigating officers have a duty to respect them. We will conduct a thorough investigation into your case. We will take immediate action to have the charges against you dismissed or any illegally obtained evidence against you suppressed if we find any indication that your rights were violated.

We have experience defending clients against all types of drug-related crimes, including:

  • Drug possession
  • Possession with intent
  • Drug distribution
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug trafficking
  • Prescription drug crimes
  • Forfeiture matters related to a drug crime investigation

Answers To Common Questions About Drug Charges In California

Below, we’ve answered some questions you may have about drug charges and how these cases work through the criminal justice system.

Is there a difference between federal and state drug charges?

Yes, there are numerous significant differences between federal and state drug charges. These include differences in:

Typical alleged offenses: While certainly not true in all cases, state drug charges are often related to crimes involving smaller quantities of drugs and offenses within California borders. Federal drug cases, on the other hand, are more likely to include large-scale drug trafficking, crossing state or international borders, or offenses occurring on federal property.

Severity of sentences: Federal drug crimes often carry mandatory minimum sentences to be served in federal prison. By contrast, judges in California state courts have more discretion over whether to sentence someone to prison and for how long.

Sentencing flexibility: California state courts can offer sentencing alternatives like drug diversion programs or formal probation paired with substance abuse treatment. Such programs focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Unfortunately, the federal system typically does not offer these sentencing alternatives, making incarceration the most likely sentence.

Investigative and prosecutorial resources: The federal government has seemingly endless resources when it comes to investigating and prosecuting drug crimes. This means federal prosecutors can afford to be far more aggressive in how they resolve cases.

The simple takeaway is that federal drug charges tend to have much higher stakes than those prosecuted in state court. No matter where your case is prosecuted, however, you need the help of an experienced attorney.

What options do I have if facing drug crimes charges?

If you are facing drug crimes charges, there may be several options available to you. First, it’s crucial to consult with a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney who can evaluate the specifics of your case. They may explore options such as negotiating a plea bargain, seeking to have charges reduced or dismissed, or preparing a strong defense for trial.

As mentioned above, some individuals prosecuted in state court might qualify for alternative sentencing programs, such as drug diversion or rehabilitation programs, which can help avoid incarceration.

Your specific options will depend on the offense you were charged with and the details of your case, and the best way to understand and exercise those options is with the help of a knowledgeable attorney.

I have a previous drug crimes conviction and am facing new charges. What does this mean for my case?

A previous conviction can have serious implications for your case. A prior conviction may result in harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences or higher fines. It may also make you ineligible for certain diversion programs or plea deals.

It is important to discuss your situation with a criminal defense attorney, who can provide guidance on how your prior conviction might impact your current charges and what strategies can be employed to defend your case.

Discuss Your Case With One Of Our Attorneys

We invite you to contact our Sacramento office to discuss your drug crime defense needs with one of our attorneys. To schedule an initial consultation, please call us locally at 916-248-8598 or toll free at 866-974-4316, or contact us via email.