A drug charge in Santa Rosa, CA, can carry serious consequences, including fines, jail time, and a permanent criminal record. However, a skilled Santa Rosa criminal defense lawyer from Conway Law Practice can challenge evidence and fight to reduce or dismiss charges. In this blog, we’ll explore how our attorneys build strong drug charge defenses and protect your rights.
Common Drug Charges in Santa Rosa
Drug charges in California can range from simple possession to more serious offenses like trafficking or manufacturing. Common charges include:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance (Health and Safety Code 11350): Possessing drugs like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamine without a prescription.
- Possession for Sale (Health and Safety Code 11351): Intent to sell or distribute illegal drugs.
- Drug Trafficking: Transporting or selling large quantities of controlled substances.
Penalties depend on the drug type, quantity, and your criminal history, but they often include incarceration, probation, and mandatory drug programs. A conviction can also impact your job prospects and personal life.
How Conway Law Practice Defends Against Drug Charges
At Conway Law Practice, our criminal defense attorneys employ a range of strategies to challenge drug charges:
- Unlawful Search and Seizure: The Fourth Amendment protects against unreasonable searches. If law enforcement conducted an illegal search of your home, car, or person, we may file a motion to suppress the evidence, potentially leading to a dismissal.
- Lack of Possession: We may argue that the drugs did not belong to you or that you were unaware of their presence, especially in shared spaces like a vehicle or residence.
- Entrapment: If law enforcement coerced or induced you into committing a drug-related offense, we can argue entrapment as a defense.
- Lab Analysis Errors: Drug evidence must be properly tested and documented. We scrutinize lab results for inaccuracies or chain-of-custody issues that could weaken the prosecution’s case.
- Diversion Programs: For first-time or non-violent offenders, we may negotiate for diversion programs like Proposition 36 or drug court, allowing you to avoid jail time by completing treatment.
Why Choose Conway Law Practice?
With extensive experience in Santa Rosa criminal defense, Conway Law Practice has successfully defended clients against a wide range of drug charges. Our attorneys are skilled negotiators and trial advocates who know how to navigate Sonoma County’s legal system. We take a personalized approach, ensuring you understand your options and feel confident in your defense.
Steps to Take After a Drug Charge
- Contact an Attorney Immediately: Early legal representation can prevent mistakes that harm your case.
- Avoid Statements to Police: Politely decline to answer questions without your lawyer present.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any documents or communications related to your arrest, such as bail paperwork or court notices.
Fight Your Drug Charge with Conway Law Practice
A drug charge doesn’t have to derail your future. A Santa Rosa criminal defense lawyer from Conway Law Practice will fight tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. Reach out today by calling (707) 608-9942 or complete the contact form below to schedule a free consultation.
Conway Law Practice is proud to serve Santa Rosa and Sonoma County, delivering compassionate and effective legal defense for drug charge cases.