Los Angeles Drug Crimes Attorney

Beverly Hills Drug Possession Defense Lawyer

If you, or someone you know has been been arrested for drug possession in Los Angeles, California, drug crime defense lawyer Robert M. Bernstein is uniquely qualified to defend your case and protect your rights. 

The Law Offices of Robert M. Bernstein is located in Beverly Hills and handles cases throughout Los Angeles County and the state of California. Attorney Bernstein offers a free, confidential consultation for individuals who are facing drug possession charges, in order to help craft the best defense strategy. 

Drug possession offenses in California may be charged as a misdemeanor, or a felony offense depending on the nature of the substance possessed. Enhanced penalties may be imposed based on other factors - such as the amount of drugs or certain types of narcotics. 

Every individual facing criminal charges must know that they should never agree to speak with police officers without the consultation of a qualified criminal defense attorney. The police are not seeking to clear you of the charges; they are seeking to gather information or statements which can be used to convict you of a crime. 

Los Angeles Drug Possession Charges & Alternative Sentencing

If the case cannot be won in court on the facts, California law does offer possible alternative sentencing in drug possession cases. Under the Deferred Entry of Judgment process, also known as drug diversion, a first time offender may avoid a criminal conviction on their record. The drug diversion program requires an individual to successfully complete a substance abuse program and remain free of any future arrests for a period of 18 months. Upon the successful completion of this program the criminal charges are dismissed entirely.

Further, Proposition 36, the Substance Abuse and Crime Prevention Act of 2000, offers an alternative to jail for first and second time non-violent drug possession offenders. This Act applies to simple drug possession charges, not to those involving the more serious charge of possession for sale.

Your drug crime defense attorney may pursue one of these alternative sentencing programs on your behalf if you qualify. If successful, you may avoid spending time in jail or prison and possibly avoid a criminal conviction on your record.  Proposition 36 was created and passed by California voters with the intention of rehabilitating and treating drug offenders, rather than simply sending them to jail.

Contact a Los Angeles Drug Possession Attorney!

Were you subject to an unreasonable search and seizure? Were your rights violated at any point during the investigation or arrest? If so, your defense attorney may move to have evidence obtained during the illegal search suppressed from your trial. This may result in a dismissal of the entire case. Only by consulting a qualified criminal defense attorney will you be able to determine the best strategy to defend your particular case. 

Contact Los Angeles drug possession lawyer Robert M. Bernstein today!