The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. It is also a time when law enforcement agencies step up their activity to apprehend individuals who are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, or people who are in possession of illegal drugs. It is a well-known fact that the supply and demand for drugs increases during the holiday season. So, law enforcement officials are often on the lookout for those in possession or individuals who are attempting to sell drugs.
EXAMPLES OF COMMON DRUG CHARGES
Here are some of the most common drug charges our drug crime defense attorneys encounter during the holiday season:
Possession of paraphernalia: The term “drug paraphernalia” refers to any type of item that is utilized to prepare, inject, inhale, or hide illicit drugs. It could also refer to anything that is used to produce or measure drugs. It is illegal for anyone to possess or sell any drug paraphernalia. Examples of these items include syringes, papers to roll drugs, bongs, and other types of pipes. The issue with paraphernalia is that many bongs are used to smoke tobacco, which is legal. Some collect bongs. Individuals who are found with these items may be charged with possessing drug paraphernalia depending on nature and circumstances in which they are found.
Drug possession: The severity of drug possession charges depend on the type of drug you are found to be in possession of, the number of drugs, and your prior criminal record. Drug possession may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Simple possession refers to the charge for someone who is found in possession of a small number of illicit drugs. However, possession of larger quantities could result in other, more serious charges.
Possession with intent to distribute: If you are found to be in possession of a large number of drugs, you may be charged with possession with the intent to distribute. This may be charged as a felony. Under California, you may face more severe consequences if you are found to be in possession of large quantities of drugs in sensitive locations such as near schools.
Drug trafficking: This is when illicit drugs are sold are transported between state or national borders. Such charges stem from the transportation of large quantities of drugs for widespread distribution and sale. Merely possessing large quantities of drugs may lead law enforcement to believe that an individual intended to transport and sell the drugs. Those convicted of drug trafficking could potentially face life in prison.
CONTACTING AN EXPERIENCED LAWYER
Whether you are facing a simple possession charge or drug trafficking or sale charges, it is important that you seek the counsel of an experienced Los Angeles drug crime defense lawyer who will remain on your side throughout the process and help fight the charges. Drug charges often result in lengthy jail or prison sentences, hefty penalties, probation, and other consequences that could follow you for the rest of your life. If you have been arrested on drug charges, do not talk to the police and call a criminal defense attorney right away.