Legally Reviewed By

Justin E. Sterling

Criminal Defense Attorney

An award-winning trial lawyer specializing in criminal defense and civil rights, Mr. Sterling has dedicated his career to representing the accused as well as those who have been mistreated by law enforcement.

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A conviction for a drug crime can carry life-altering penalties. After an arrest, you may be scared, wondering whether you will go to jail and how a conviction could affect your life. Just remember: An arrest is only the beginning. You will have many opportunities to fight the charges against you. A skilled Encino drug crime lawyer can argue for the charges to be reduced or dropped altogether. If a plea deal is in your best interests, an attorney can help you negotiate for the minimum sentence.

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we have decades of experience handling a wide range of drug crime cases. Our firm has extensive experience at both the state and federal court level, and we focus exclusively on representing clients facing criminal charges in the Los Angeles area.

If you’re looking for personalized legal representation, contact our Encino criminal defense law firm today for a free consultation. Attorney Justin E. Sterling can review your case and explain all your options for fighting the charges against you.

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(818) 995-9452

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“Justin is a dying breed of lawyer. He's fearless and has an innate understanding of what injustice looks like. Never hesitates to speak truth to power.”
-Daily Journal

Why Choose the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling to Handle Your Drug Crime Case?

Our legal team has a long track record of success defending people against a variety of drug charges, from misdemeanors to felonies.

We provide:

Over two decades of criminal defense experience, with more than 100 cases tried to verdict
An in-house team of private investigators who formerly served as senior law enforcement professionals
Longstanding working relationships with prosecutors, district attorneys, and law enforcement agencies throughout the Southland criminal justice system
An intentionally limited caseload allowing for personalized legal representation and attention on every case

What Happens After You’re Arrested for Drug Charges in Encino?

Especially if it’s your first time being arrested, the criminal justice system can seem complex and overwhelming. A seasoned defense attorney can help you prepare for what to expect and fight for your rights at every stage of the process.

Arraignment

The arraignment is your first formal court appearance following the arrest. A few preliminary matters will be addressed. You will be informed of your rights and the charges against you. You will also enter a plea, whether guilty, not guilt, or nolo contendere. Finally, the terms of bail will be set. An attorney can make sure you understand the charges against you and help you make a smart decision about how to plead ahead of your arraignment.

Pre-trial diversion program

In some drug cases involving simple possession, you may be able to participate in a pre-trial diversion program under California Penal Code 1000. This would enable you to plead not guilty and enter a drug treatment program instead of facing other penalties. When you complete the program, your charges would be dismissed. Your drug crimes attorney can discuss this option with you.

Pre-trial proceedings

A lot of legal maneuvering and strategizing takes place during the pre-trial proceedings. Both sides will review all the evidence during the discovery phase and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the other’s case. The parties may file motions and waivers here. For example, the defense may seek to exclude certain evidence or testimony. Your attorney may seek to have the charges against you reduced or dropped based on what happens during this phase. Or you may be advised to accept a plea deal in exchange for a lighter sentence.

Trial

If your case goes to trial, the prosecution and the defense will have a chance to make their case. Both sides will present the evidence and witness testimony. Ultimately, the court will render a verdict.

Call us today for help

(818) 995-9452

Get A Free Case Review

Types of Drug Cases That Our Law Firm Can Help With

Our Encino drug defense law firm has extensive experience handling the following types of cases:

Possession – California Health and Safety Code 11350(a)
Drug possession with intent to sell – California Health and Safety Code 11350(a)
Drug manufacturing – California Health and Safety Code 11379.6
Drug transportation or trafficking – California Health and Safety Code 11379
Prescription drug crimes – California Health and Safety Code 11350(a)

No matter what type of charge you are facing, our firm can help craft a strong defense on your behalf. Contact us now for a free case review with a seasoned Encino drug crime lawyer.

Our Clients Say It Best

Mr. Sterling is a compassionate attorney and person. He goes the extra mile for his clients. He has done so for me on more than one occasion.

- P.S., Former Client

It’s no coincidence that year in and year out Mr. Sterling is recognized by his clients, peers, and third party rankings as one of the best in his field.

- J.P., Attorney at Law

When Justin wins he WINS BIG. It is this truth that enables him to achieve impossible results quickly and quietly for his clients.

- H.L., Superior Court Judge (Retired)

Justin is an excellent trial lawyer who cares deeply for his clients.

- Superior Court Commissioner

Justin has unwavering commitment in what he does.

- R.E., Attorney at Law

Justin knows defense work inside and out and from every perspective. The courtroom is his home and trial is where he is most comfortable.

- C.K.R., Prosecutor

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Our Criminal Defense Case Results

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we know results matter. It’s your life and your future on the line. We have successfully defended individuals facing serious criminal charges, secured dismissals, not-guilty verdicts, and achieved life-changing outcomes in both state and federal courts. While every case is unique, these examples reflect our experience and commitment to justice.

DUI & Drug-Related Offenses

DUI with Refusal Allegation

ACQUITTED

Jury deadlocked 9–3 in favor of not guilty; case dismissed. Client’s professional license protected.

Felony Drug Possession

FACTUAL INNOCENCE FOUND

Court dismissed all charges and ordered sealing and destruction of arrest records.

Drug Sales Charges

DISMISSED AFTER RECHARGING

Sales charge reduced to personal use, allowing treatment and ultimate dismissal.

Common Defenses to Drug Charges

For a defendant to be convicted, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they committed the crime. This is an incredibly difficult standard to meet, and the defense may use multiple tactics to undermine the state’s case, including:

Fourth Amendment: You are protected from illegal searches and seizures by the Fourth Amendment. If the drugs were discovered during an illegal search, the case could be dismissed.
Chain of custody issues: After drugs are taken into police custody, they may be sent to a forensic technician for testing and then back to the police station. Law enforcement must keep an evidence log documenting who is in possession of the drugs and when. This is known as establishing chain of custody. If there are problems with the chain of custody, the drugs may be excluded as evidence and the case may be dismissed.
Crime lab analysis: Legal substances may be confused for illegal narcotics. A crime lab analysis could reveal that the substance submitted into evidence is not actually an illegal drug.
The drugs aren’t yours: For example, your attorney may be able to argue that the drugs belonged to someone else who happened to be riding in your car.

Every drug case is unique, with different evidence and different circumstances. An Encino drug crime defense attorney can investigate your case and determine the best defense strategy for you.

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Penalties for Drug Convictions

Penalties for drug convictions can vary widely depending on the crime. For example:

Simple possession: A jail sentence of up to a year and a maximum fine of $1,000
Possession for sale: A prison term of up to 4 years and a fine of up to $20,000
Transportation of a controlled substance: A maximum prison term of 9 years and a fine of up to $20,000
Being under the influence of a controlled substance: A maximum 1-year jail term
Drug manufacturing: A prison term lasting up to 7 years and a fine of up to $50,000
Possession with intent to sell marijuana: A 6-month jail term and a fine of up to $1,000

How Controlled Substances Are Classified in California?

Not all controlled substances are the same in the eyes of the California criminal justice system. The state considers some drugs more or less dangerous than others, based on factors such as addiction risk and medicinal value. These factors, in turn, determine the penalties.

However, it would be impossible to assign a unique charge and sentence to every drug. So the state groups controlled substances into five categories according to shared characteristics. The categories are called schedules. Schedule V drugs are considered the least harmful and carry the lightest penalties, while schedule I drugs are considered the most harmful and carry the harshest penalties.

Schedule V: Cough syrup with low concentrations of codeine, Lomotil, Motofen
Schedule IV: Xanax, Ambien, Valium, Tramadol
Schedule III: Testosterone, Methenolone, Nalorphine, Ketamine
Schedule II: Opium, Methadone, Vicodin, Morphine, Fentanyl
Schedule I: Heroin, pyrrolidine analog of phencyclidine (PCP), lysergic acid diethylamide, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (commonly known as ecstasy), peyote, cocaine base

An Encino Drug Crimes Attorney Can Help

The State of California takes drug crimes very seriously. A conviction could result in severe penalties, such as lengthy prison terms and serious fines. But the consequences extend far beyond incarceration and money. A conviction on your record could make life challenging in a variety of ways, from renting an apartment to finding a job. Furthermore, you may have to forfeit certain civil liberties, such as gun ownership.

It’s easy to panic knowing the stakes. And it may seem like you’re being treated as guilty before setting foot in court. But it’s important to remember that you are presumed innocent unless the prosecution can prove otherwise.

At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we will fight tooth and nail for your freedom and your future. Contact us today to get started with a free and confidential review of your case. We also handle cases in these locations: Beverly Hills, Brentwood, Burbank, Century City, Los Angeles Airport, Marina Del Rey, Pasadena, Sherman Oaks, Torrance, Valencia, West Los Angeles, and Woodlands Hills.

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Drug Crime Lawyer in Encino, LA