Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Dublin, CA
Providing Powerhouse Defense Strategies for Every Client
Both state and federal prosecutors stop at nothing to ensure drug crime suspects are taken off the streets and put behind bars. Although California is a relatively lenient state when it comes to drug offenses involving marijuana, don’t be fooled into thinking that drug charges involving other controlled substances will be treated lightly. Law enforcement agencies are particularly eager to identify and prosecute drug trafficking crimes in the state of California because these offenses are viewed as a threat to public health, national security, the US economy, and society altogether.
As such, if you are accused of drug trafficking, you need a trusted attorney to defend your freedom and fight to clear your name. That’s why our Dublin drug trafficking attorney at The Law Office of Christopher A. Lamiero is right for you. As a former prosecutor with 25+ years of experience on both sides of the criminal justice system, Attorney Christopher Lamiero has the knowledge, skills, and resources required to formulate a high-caliber defense strategy on your behalf. Our mission is to get your drug trafficking charges minimized or dropped altogether.
The lawyer you choose to advocate for you can make or break your case, so choose wisely. To get started on your defense, contact us our Dublin drug trafficking lawyers at (925) 259-3337!
What Is Drug Trafficking?
Drug trafficking is an illicit trade involving the cultivation, manufacture, distribution, and sale of prohibited substances, as defined by the United Nations. Among the most common substances involved in drug trafficking offenses are heroin, cocaine, marijuana, methamphetamine, and ecstasy.
Under California HS Code 11352, every person who commits, offers to commit, or attempts to commit the following acts involving any Schedule III, IV, or V controlled substances may be found guilty of drug trafficking, punishable by 3 to 5 years in prison and up to $20,000 fines:
- Transporting illegal drugs for sale
- Importing illicit drugs into CA
- Selling illegal drugs
- Furnishing illegal drugs
- Administering illegal drugs
- Giving away illegal drugs
Both state and federal governments prohibit drug trafficking, therefore you may be subject to state and federal consequences if convicted of drug trafficking. Your penalties may be enhanced if aggravating circumstances existed in your case, such as using a firearm, crossing state lines, involving a minor, prior planning, and using violence during the commission of the alleged crime.
Federal Drug Schedules
To better understand the nature and seriousness of your charges, it will help you to learn the federal drug schedules. The federal government classifies drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs into five categories, or schedules, based on their abuse rate, accepted medical use, and likelihood for psychological or physical dependence.
- Schedule I: Drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Some examples of Schedule I drugs are heroin, LSD, marijuana, ecstasy, methaqualone, and peyote.
- Schedule II: Drugs with a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. These drugs are considered dangerous and include combination products with less than 15 milligrams of hydrocodone per dosage unit (Vicodin), cocaine, methamphetamine, oxycodone, fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall, and Ritalin.
- Schedule III: Drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence and an abuse potential that is less than Schedule I and Schedule II drugs but more than Schedule IV. Examples include Products containing less than 90 milligrams of codeine per dosage unit (Tylenol with codeine), ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.
- Schedule IV: Drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Some examples include Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, and Tramadol.
- Schedule V: Drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of preparations containing limited quantities of certain narcotics. They are typically used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes.
Understanding the Consequences of Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is a serious offense with severe legal consequences. If you are facing drug trafficking charges, it is crucial to understand the potential penalties and repercussions. Our experienced drug trafficking lawyers in Dublin, CA can provide you with the knowledge and guidance you need to navigate through this challenging situation.
Consequences of drug trafficking may include:
- Lengthy prison sentences
- Substantial fines
- Criminal record that can affect employment and housing opportunities
- Loss of professional licenses
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
Criminal Defense FAQ
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What is a Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals, businesses and organizations accused of committing a crime. They have the knowledge to understand the laws and legal procedures related to criminal cases. A criminal defense lawyers strives to protect their client's rights and build a strong defense case against all charges.
Defense attorneys use a variety of methods to help their clients, including research and investigation, interviewing witnesses, filing motions, plea bargaining with prosecutors and advocating in court for their clients. They may also advise clients on how best to prepare for trial and present evidence that could prove innocence or legal mitigating factors. In some cases, they also negotiate with prosecutors in order to get reduced or dropped charges for their clients. As experienced professionals, criminal defense attorneys look for any weaknesses in the government's case and make sure that every aspect of the law is being followed.
By hiring an experienced lawyer, you can be rest assured knowing that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you will receive sound advice to help you navigate your case.
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Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
Most criminal cases resolve through plea deals. A plea bargain allows you to accept the penalty for a lesser offense, often keeping more serious charges off your record. Whether a plea will benefit you depends on your situation, but no one should accept a plea deal from someone who is not guilty of the crime.
Having a lawyer to counsel you on your best options is critical if you hope to avoid agreeing to a deal that is not in your best interests.
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Will I Lose My Professional License if I Am Convicted of a Felony?
While California has passed a law prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before making a job offer, this does not mean a conviction on your record will not affect your career opportunities. Many professional licensing boards have restrictions on eligibility for those who have criminal convictions.
Depending on the type of license you hold and the circumstances of your case, a conviction may negatively affect your professional future. Having an attorney on your side can improve the chances of avoiding a career-ending conviction.
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Why Do I Need an Attorney?
After your arrest, you should waste no time seeking the counsel of an attorney who is familiar with California laws and the courts in Alameda County, Northern and Central California. You will be facing skilled prosecutors whose goal is to convict you.
Your defense attorney will have the resources to construct a defense that will give you every possible advantage to avoid a conviction of the most serious charges you face. Even a misdemeanor conviction can negatively affect your life for years. I will work to prevent that from happening.
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What Should I Do Next?
Your first step after your arrest should be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Police and investigators should not continue questioning you once you have asked for a lawyer. When you obtain legal representation from Attorney Christopher Lamiero, our firm will protect your rights and help you make the right decisions throughout the legal process.
Call (925) 259-3337 or use our online form to obtain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dublin, CA. Se habla español.