If you’re facing criminal charges for a drug offense in Glendale, every decision you make can have a lasting impact on how your case progresses. California prosecutors pursue these cases aggressively, and valuable evidence that could strengthen your case could disappear or deteriorate quickly if no one steps in to protect it.

With over 20 years of trial experience and a background as a former public defender in Los Angeles County, Attorney Justin E. Sterling provides strategic, hard-hitting legal representation to people accused of drug crimes throughout Southern California. He understands that the stakes are high and how to challenge the prosecution’s case while protecting your legal rights.

Every criminal case is different, and Mr. Sterling tailors every client’s defense to reflect the unique facts. Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling for a confidential, free consultation with a drug crime defense lawyer in Glendale.

Common Drug Charges Under California Law

California prosecutes drug-related offenses under a range of statutes. The charges you face will depend on the substance involved, the amount, and the circumstances of the arrest. A Glendale drug crime attorney can review the specifics of your case, identify which charges apply, and assess whether the evidence actually supports them.

Common drug charges in California include:

  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (HSC 11350): Unlawful possession of certain controlled substances without a valid prescription
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Sell (HSC 11351): Possession combined with evidence suggesting distribution
  • Drug Sales or Distribution (HSC 11352): The offer or act of transporting, importing, selling, furnishing, administering, or giving away of a controlled substance
  • Drug Trafficking: The transport or distribution of various drugs; prosecuted under various statutes depending on the substance and whether it is transported across state or international lines
  • Drug Manufacturing ( HSC 11379.6.): Production of certain controlled substances such as methamphetamine
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (HSC 11364.): Possession of items associated with drug use or sales, such as items for smoking and injecting (e.g., opium pipes, hypodermic needles, and syringes)

Penalties for Drug Crimes in California

Drug crime penalties in California vary widely depending on the charge, the defendant’s criminal history, and the quantity of drugs involved. Fines, probation, mandatory treatment programs, and collateral consequences, such as a permanent criminal record, may result from a criminal conviction. Because the penalties vary widely from case to case, it’s best to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney who can explain the allegations against you and the options you may have under the circumstances.

Drug Possession vs. Drug Sales & Trafficking

The difference between a possession charge and a sales or trafficking charge often comes down to circumstantial evidence. A possession charge assumes the drugs were for personal use, while a sales or trafficking charge assumes intent to distribute. Prosecutors frequently point to factors like the quantity of drugs, the presence of scales or packaging materials, cash on hand, or communication records as proof of intent to sell or distribute.

A drug possession defense attorney in Glendale can challenge these assumptions and argue for a reduction to a lesser charge if the evidence doesn’t clearly establish intent. This distinction can affect the penalties upon conviction, including whether a defendant is eligible for a treatment diversion program rather than jail or prison time, so these cases call for careful scrutiny.

Defense Strategies in Drug Crime Cases

While prosecutors work to build ironclad cases, every drug crime case has its weaknesses. Your criminal lawyer’s job is to identify and expose them. These weaknesses can stem from botched police investigations, poor evidence-handling procedures, the legality of the search, and other factors.

Potential defense strategies in drug crime cases may include arguments that focus on:

  • Illegal search and seizure
  • Lack of probable cause for the stop or arrest
  • Chain of custody issues with the evidence
  • Crime lab errors or unreliable testing
  • Entrapment or coercion
  • Insufficient evidence of intent to sell

Illegal Searches, Seizures, and Suppression Motions

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures, but law enforcement officers don’t always follow the rules. When police officers search a vehicle, home, or person without a valid warrant or legal justification, the evidence they find may be inadmissible in court.

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we closely examine the circumstances of every arrest, including initial stops or home entries, and can file suppression motions if the facts support them. A successful suppression motion can weaken the prosecution’s case and possibly lead to a dismissal.

What to Do After a Drug Arrest in Glendale

What you do after a drug arrest can have a significant impact on your case going forward. Here’s what you should do and what to avoid:

  • Exercise your right to remain silent and request to speak to a Glendale criminal defense attorney.
  • Write down everything you remember about the arrest.
  • Avoid discussing your case with anyone other than your legal counsel.
  • Do not consent to any additional searches.
  • Do not post about your arrest or circumstances on social media.

How the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling Defends Drug Crime Cases

Mr. Sterling built his practice on the belief that every client deserves personalized attention from an experienced trial lawyer, not a rotating cast of junior attorneys. He intentionally maintains a small caseload so he can give each client the time and focus they need, and he personally handles every defense matter that comes through his office door.

Mr. Sterling has tried over 100 jury trials to verdict in courts throughout California and has a legal team that includes in-house investigators, including former senior law enforcement officers, to assist in developing a solid defense strategy that protects your rights and works toward the best possible outcome.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation with a Glendale Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

Defending you in your greatest time of need is more than just a motto at the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling. It’s how Mr. Sterling approaches every case he handles.

In criminal matters, we know results matter. Our law firm has secured favorable outcomes in a broad range of cases involving illegal substances. Examples include:

  • Dismissal of felony firearm and drug charges through early intervention
  • Finding of factual innocence for a client charged with felony cocaine possession
  • Reduction of drug sales charges to personal use charges for a client ineligible for treatment

Past results cannot guarantee the same outcome for you, but they do illustrate the level of skill and preparation our firm brings to every case.

As one former client wrote in a testimonial:

“Justin made a huge difference in my case. From the start, he guided me through everything and broke things down in a way that was easy to understand during a really stressful time. He came up with smart, effective strategies with his knowledge of the law and clearly has strong connections in the field. Justin was always focused on getting the best outcome for me. I’m really grateful to have had him on my corner!”

– Jesse De La Torre

If you need legal help after a drug arrest, you don’t have to navigate the California criminal justice system alone. Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free consultation with a Glendale criminal defense lawyer.