Arrested for Drug Possession in Los Angeles, Can I Avoid Jail Time – HS 11350
If you are convicted of drug possession in Los Angeles, you could serve time in jail. Under California Health and Safety Code section 11350, drug possession is charged as a misdemeanor and is punishable by up to one year in county jail.
Drug Possession Defenses
To help protect your freedom, there are a number of defenses that your Los Angeles Drug Possession Defense Attorney at Wallin & Klarich can raise on your behalf to get your charges reduced or dismissed. These include:
• Lack of control or possession
• Momentary possession
• Lack of knowledge
• Valid prescription; AND
• Failure to follow police procedures
Be sure to contact a Criminal Defense Attorney at Wallin & Klarich to find out which defenses may apply in your case.
Reduced Sentencing for Drug Possession in Los Angeles
Drug Diversion Programs
If you are a first-time offender for a nonviolent drug possession offense in Los Angeles, you may be eligible for a drug diversion program. California Penal Code Section 1000 and Proposition 36 permit you to enroll in a drug diversion or drug treatment program instead of going to jail. However, your eligibility will depend on the circumstances of your drug possession charge, your criminal history, and your ability to complete drug classes. If you successfully complete the program and stay out of trouble with law enforcement, your drug possession charge will likely be dismissed. Your Wallin & Klarich Drug Possession Defense Attorney can answer any question you have about drug diversion and drug treatment programs.
Probation
Even if you are not a first-time offender, the court has discretion in determining your punishment depending on the circumstances of your case. By using the defenses listed above, the experienced Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich may be able to get your charges reduced or dismissed.
Instead of sentencing you to up to 3 years in county jail, the court may:
• Place you on probation
• Place you on probation and order you to complete community service, a work release program, and attend drug counseling or substance abuse classes
• Place you on formal probation and assign you a probation officer; AND
• Offer you a drug diversion program and dismiss the charges against you once you complete the program
Los Angeles Drug Possession Defense Attorney
If you are facing a possible jail sentence for drug possession in Los Angeles, it is crucial that you contact an experienced Los Angeles Drug Possession Defense Attorney who is familiar with drug possession cases. With offices in Orange County, Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Victorville, West Covina, Torrance, and Sherman Oaks, the Drug Possession Attorneys at Wallin & Klarich have successfully represented clients facing drug possession charges for over 40 years. We are ready to help you now.
Call us today at (877) 4-NO-JAIL or (877) 466-5245. We will be there when you call.
