Drug Offenses

In California, drug offenses are among the most widely prosecuted of all crimes. In the current political climate, no amount of drugs at issue is too small for a district attorney or federal prosecutor to file charges, and a conviction on even a simple drug possession charge may result in serious consequences for you. If you've been arrested for or charged with a drug offense, the attorneys at the Law Offices of Grech & Firetag can help you. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we can begin planning your defense.

Types of Drug Offenses
Drug offenses may be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony, depending in part on:

• The quantity of drugs involved
• The type of drug(s) involved
• The severity of the crime
• Whether this is a first offense or a repeat offense

The potential penalties for drug offenses include fines, jail or prison time, seizure of assets, loss of one's driver's license, and being required to register as a drug offender. In some cases, alternative sentencing options are possible.

In California and in the federal criminal system, drug offenses include those involving:

• Drug sales
• Drug possession
• Drug distribution
• Drug possession with the intent to sell
• Drug cultivation or manufacturing
• Drug trafficking
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Possession of materials with intent to manufacture a controlled substance (such as crystal methamphetamine)

How We Can Help You
The attorneys of the law offices of Grech & Firetag have the experience and skills to help you fight your drug offense case. Among the steps we can take to help you include:

• Evaluating all possible legal defenses, including defenses such as being innocent of the charges, illegal search and seizure, having a valid prescription for the drug, and insufficient evidence
• Gathering evidence to support your defense, including interviewing witnesses and law enforcement officers
• Arguing for lower bail
• Seeking reduction of charges (when possible)
• Representing you in a plea bargain or at trial
• Seeking transfer of your case to Drug Court, a "diversion program" where you get a chance to prove to the court that you can stay off drugs and also follow other conditions
• Seeking alternative sentencing, or the lowest sentence available. Alternative sentences include drug rehabilitation programs, counseling, electronic monitoring or house arrest, and work furlough that allows you to stay on at your job

If you're being investigated, have been arrested, or have been charged with a drug offense by state or federal authorities, don't hesitate to contact the Law Offices of Grech & Firetag to begin your defense. We will provide top-notch legal representation to protect your rights.