(818) 995-9452
If you are facing drug-related charges in San Fernando Valley, the consequences of a conviction can be severe and long-lasting, jeopardizing your reputation, your freedom, and your future. The criminal justice system can be unforgiving for individuals without experienced legal representation. You need a drug crime defense lawyer who will fight unceasingly to protect your rights and seek the best possible outcome of your case.
Call the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free case review with an experienced drug crime defense lawyer in San Fernando Valley. Criminal defense attorney Justin E. Sterling has more than two decades of criminal trial experience defending clients charged with drug-related offenses.
Common Drug Crimes in the San Fernando Valley
California law enforcement agencies prosecute individuals for a wide range of drug-related charges in the San Fernando Valley. Understanding the charges you face is the first step toward mounting an effective defense. Common offenses include:
● Simple possession of controlled substances
● Possession with intent to sell or distribute
● Drug trafficking and transportation
● Manufacturing of illegal drugs
● Prescription fraud
● Possession of drug paraphernalia
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.
What to Do If You’re Charged with a Drug Crime
Being arrested on drug crime charges can be frightening. However, the actions you take immediately following your arrest can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Follow these steps:
● Exercise Your Right to Remain Silent: You are not required to answer police questions without having a defense attorney present to advise you. Anything you say can be used against you in court.
● Contact a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer at the First Opportunity: Legal representation is essential from the moment of your arrest. The Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling has extensive experience handling drug cases. Our law firm will work diligently to build an effective criminal defense strategy based on your specific circumstances.
● Refrain From Discussing Your Case: Do not talk about your charges on social media or with anyone other than your defense attorney. Any comments you make on social media can be used as evidence against you.
● Document Everything: Write down the specific circumstances of your arrest, including officer names, what was said, and any potential violations of your rights. These details can be vital to your defense.
When facing drug charges, there is no time to lose. The sooner you contact our firm, the better positioned our firm will be to protect your interests and challenge the prosecution’s case.
Reasons to Hire a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer
Facing drug charges puts your freedom at risk. Representing yourself—or relying on an overburdened public defender—can result in a criminal record and long-lasting consequences. Our firm offers strategic defense representation that includes the following steps:
● Build a Strong Defense: We investigate the circumstances of your arrest, examine the prosecution’s evidence for weaknesses, and identify violations of your constitutional rights. Every case has unique angles that can be leveraged in your favor.
● Negotiating With Prosecutors: Our longstanding professional relationships with local prosecutors allow us to negotiate favorable plea agreements when appropriate. We work to reduce charges or secure alternative sentencing options.
● Representing You in Court: If your case goes to trial, you will have the representation of an experienced criminal trial attorney. We know how to find and present evidence, cross-examine witnesses, and argue persuasively before judges and juries.
● Avoiding or Minimizing Penalties: We explore every avenue to reduce or eliminate penalties, including diversion programs, probation, and treatment options. The goal is to protect your future and keep you out of jail.
Having experienced legal representation is cost-effective in the long run. The potential consequences of a conviction far outweigh the cost of hiring a respected drug crime defense lawyer to fight for your future.
Drug Crime Penalties in California
California imposes serious penalties for drug offenses that can alter the course of your life. At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, we understand the potential consequences you face and can help you evaluate your legal options:
● Simple Possession: Under California Health and Safety Code Section 11350, possession of controlled substances for personal use can result in up to one year in county jail and fines up to $1,000. First-time offenders may qualify for drug diversion programs.
● Controlled Substances: A drug’s classification determines the severity of penalties upon conviction of drug offenses. Schedule I and II substances carry harsher punishments than Schedule III or IV drugs, with potential sentences ranging from 16 months to three years in state prison.
● Possession With Intent to Distribute: Prosecutors often pursue enhanced charges if they believe you intended to sell drugs. Convictions can result in two to four years in state prison and fines up to $20,000. In criminal cases involving drug sales, evidence such as large quantities, scales, or packaging materials can support allegations of intent to distribute.
● Drug Trafficking: Transporting controlled substances across county or state lines is a felony under California Health and Safety Code Section 11352. Convictions can result in three to nine years in state prison and fines up to $20,000.
● Distribution to Minors: Selling or providing drugs to individuals under 18 years old carries additional penalties, including three to nine years in state prison and fines up to $20,000, with enhanced sentences for sales near schools.
● Manufacturing: Operating a drug lab or cultivating marijuana beyond legal limits can result in felony charges with three to seven years in state prison and fines up to $50,000.
Under Proposition 36, if you have two or more prior convictions for qualifying drug offenses—such as possession of fentanyl, heroin, or methamphetamine—a new controlled-substance possession arrest can be elevated from a misdemeanor to a treatment-mandated felony.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling?
When you retain the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, you gain access to more than 20 years of hard-won legal experience defending clients against drug charges in California. Mr. Sterling’s background as a former Los Angeles Public Defender gives him insight into how prosecutors build cases and which defense strategies are most effective for challenging them.
Mr. Sterling’s longstanding professional relationships with local prosecutors, district attorneys, and courts provide a strategic advantage. The law firm maintains a limited caseload, so we can give each case the attention it deserves. You will not be treated as just another file number—you will receive personalized, focused representation based on an understanding of your specific situation.
The proof is in the results. We have secured dismissals for several clients facing serious drug charges, and our client testimonials speak to the quality of our representation. One satisfied client shared the following testimonial: “Justin is an incredible talent and effective attorney. Do not be fooled by his quiet confidence and polished demeanor. He is a killer in court. Outlawyered everyone in the courtroom. Case dismissed! Thank you—L. Martinez.”
Contact a Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in the San Fernando Valley Today
When your freedom and future are at risk, you need a fierce advocate who will work tirelessly on your behalf. Call the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling or complete our online contact form to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced drug crime defense lawyer in the San Fernando Valley. We will be by your side through every step of the legal process until the conclusion of your case.
