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Have you been arrested and charged with a drug crime in Van Nuys, CA? State and federal laws treat drug crimes as some of the most severe offenses. Prosecutors aggressively pursue convictions and penalties for defendants facing drug charges. You need dedicated legal representation to help you stand up for your rights and interests when facing the criminal justice system. Contact a Van Nuys drug crime lawyer from the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for help.
Drug Crimes in Van Nuys, California
Drug crimes involve the possession, sale, transportation, or manufacture of controlled substances. State and federal laws classify drugs into several schedules of controlled substances, with Schedule I controlled substances representing the most dangerous drugs because they have a high risk of abuse or addiction with no recognized medicinal uses.
At the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling, a seasoned criminal defense attorney can help you face Van Nuys drug crime charges such as:
- Simple possession of drugs
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Unlawful sale or distribution of drugs
- Drug trafficking
- Unlawful manufacture of drugs
- Prescription drug crimes, including forging or misuse of written prescriptions
Penalties for Drug Crimes in Van Nuys
Penalties for a drug conviction in Van Nuys depend on the nature of the offense and the type and amount of drugs involved. Felony convictions involving large amounts of Schedule I drugs typically result in the harshest penalties, including substantial fines and lengthy prison terms. Other aggravating factors like prior drug convictions or the involvement of firearms in connection with a drug offense can also increase a sentence. Drug convictions can also have long-term personal consequences. A criminal record can make finding employment, educational, and housing opportunities challenging.
Defending Against Drug Crime Charges in Van Nuys
Depending on the circumstances surrounding your arrest and charges, you may have various legal in a drug crime case. Potential strategies may include:
- Unlawful search and seizure – You can move to exclude drugs from evidence by arguing that police officers found them through an unlawful search when they lacked reasonable suspicion to stop you or probable cause to support a search.
- Lack of actual or constructive possession – You may contest drug charges by arguing that you did not have custody and control over the drugs. This defense might apply if someone hid drugs in your home or car.
- Chain of custody issues – The chain of custody is a history of how evidence is collected, documented, and handled. If there is a breach in the chain of custody, the drugs could be inadmissible evidence in court.
- Unreliable lab testing – You might challenge the prosecution’s claim that a substance constitutes a controlled substance by challenging the reliability of lab testing or by showing that investigators failed to test the substance to confirm its identity.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling in Van Nuys, CA?
People facing drug charges in Van Nuys turn to the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling for legal support because:
- Attorney Justin E. Sterling has over two decades of criminal trial experience.
- We have established relationships with prosecutors, court staff, and judges throughout the Los Angeles region.
- Our firm works with a team of experts and in-house investigators to build compelling defenses for clients.
- We limit our caseload to provide the attention and resources your case deserves.
After getting charged with drug offenses in Van Nuys, you need experienced legal advocacy to defend your rights, freedom, and future. Contact the Law Offices of Justin E. Sterling today for a free, confidential consultation with a knowledgeable Van Nuys drug crime attorney.
