LOS ANGELES DRUG CRIME ATTORNEY
Aggressive Defense Strategies for Drug Crimes in Los Angeles
Any kind of drug crime conviction in California can have long-term consequences that will significantly impact your future. Because a conviction will appear on background checks, you will likely have a tougher time obtaining professional, educational, and housing opportunities. Consequently, you need to protect your legal rights and defend against the allegations brought against you by hiring a skilled Los Angeles drug crime lawyer.
Attorney Goodman is an experienced Los Angeles drug crime lawyer who has made it her mission to fight for the underdog. As a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, she can help you understand your rights, explain your defense options, and pursue the best possible outcome. She is familiar with how state prosecutors tend to approach these cases and will leverage that knowledge as she works to protect your interests in and out of the courtroom.
The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman offers free initial consultations, so call (714) 266-3945 or fill out an online contact form to start discussing your case strategy today.
I am committed to providing my clients with the trusted counsel and aggressive defense they deserve. I believe in redemption and helping people get second chances. I devote a significant portion of my practice to criminal justice reform and I have provided pro bono representation in impact litigation to change the laws to benefit every Californian.
No one is perfect, and everyone has flaws. A mistake should not define you, and our Orange County criminal defense attorney is ready to fight to protect your future, no matter the charges. Attorney Jacqueline Goodman is here to get you out of this difficult situation and put you back in the position you were in before your trouble started!
TYPES OF DRUG CRIMES IN CALIFORNIA
California regularly prosecutes several types of drug crimes, which can vary in severity. Generally, possessing or contributing to the distribution or creation of a controlled substance can lead to criminal charges.
An individual can be charged with drug possession if they are found to be in possession of an illegal drug. Under California law, possession can take many forms: “actual” and “constructive.” Actual possession means that the person has direct physical control over the drugs at the time of the offense. Constructive possession indicates that although the person did not have direct physical control over the drugs, they knew about their presence and had some measure of control over them. In practice, this means that someone could be arrested for drug possession if controlled substances are found in their home or vehicle, even if the individual did not have the drug in their actual possession at the time. Regardless of whether the possession was actual or constructive, the type and amount of drug possessed typically determines the severity of the charges and punishments if convicted.
Possession with intent to distribute occurs when an individual has control or ownership of a controlled substance and intends to sell, deliver, or facilitate the sale or delivery of the substance to another person. An actual delivery or exchange of drugs for money does not have to be completed for the act to be considered a crime. Simply intending to distribute can lead to an arrest.
Drug manufacturing is the process of producing, producing concentration, or compounding any controlled substance with the intention to distribute. This includes activities such as synthesizing a drug from chemical components, processing and packaging large amounts of drugs for distribution, and creating a new product from an existing controlled substance. Playing any role in the manufacturing of drugs is strictly illegal in California, even if done exclusively for personal use. This includes growing more marijuana than legally permitted.
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"I felt like I was getting represented by a superstar attorney. She'll run circles around any DA."- Marcus W.
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"Thank you Ms Goodman and team!!"- Nick K.
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"Choose her to represent you in the orange county area"- Elizabeth E.
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"I can't say enough good things!"- Travis H.
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"If you are looking for someone that is going to put in all of their effort and fight for the outcome you want, choose her."- Former Client
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"Honest, hard working, and compassion, would describe, Jacquie."- Dorian C.
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"She was always easy to contact and gave me all the information that came her way."- Rosie C.
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"I have so much respect and admiration for her - and the women in her office"- Caleigha C.
HOW CAN CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 36 AFFECT DRUG CRIME CASES?
Proposition 36, or Prop 36, is an initiative in the state of California that allows those charged with certain drug offenses to explore alternative options instead of facing imprisonment. By successfully completing treatment and rehabilitation programs, defendants may be able to have their charges dismissed and avoid jail or prison time. This course of action might not be the most ideal legal solution, but it could be a viable option depending on the circumstances. An experienced Los Angeles drug crime attorney can help evaluate a defendant's qualifications for Prop 36 relief and determine if it is the right path forward.
HOW CIVIL FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS CAN COMPLICATE DRUG CRIME ALLEGATIONS
Civil forfeiture is a legal process in which the government seizes property that is allegedly connected to criminal activity, such as a drug crime. This type of seizure often takes place without ever having to go through a criminal court proceeding, meaning you could lose your property before you have your day in court. The only way for individuals who have had their property seized to regain ownership is by contesting the seizure in court. The burden of proof then falls on the individual to prove that their property was not connected with any kind of illegal activity, which is where The Law Office of Jacqueline Goodman comes in. Attorney Goodman understands how to successfully navigate civil forfeiture proceedings and will make every effort to help you recover seized property.
REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSEDCHILD ENDANGERMENT / CRUELTY
Penal Code 273a(b) Child endangerment/cruelty.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD MOLESTATION
Child molestation: Felony.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
PROBATION VIOLATION
PC 1203.2 Committing a new crime or violating any term or condition of probation.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
ATTEMPTED MURDER OF POLICE OFFICER
Los Angeles Arrest Pre-filing representation on Attempted murder of police officer, assault with a deadly weapon upon a police officer.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CONTEMPT OF COURT ORDER
Contempt of court order by a gang member.
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CASE DISMISSEDCASE DISMISSED
CHILD SEX ABUSE CASE
Child Sex Abuse case dismissed.
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ANAHEIM, CA DUI ATTORNEY FAQ'S
Brea, CA
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Is a White Collar Crime a Federal Offense?
White-collar crimes can be charged as federal offenses for several reasons, primarily due to the nature of these offenses and the impact they can have on national or interstate commerce. Here are some reasons why white-collar crimes often fall under federal jurisdiction:
- Interstate Commerce: Many white-collar crimes involve activities that cross state lines or have a substantial impact on interstate commerce. The federal government has jurisdiction over such cases because it has the authority to regulate and oversee interstate commerce.
- National or International Scope: White-collar crimes often transcend state boundaries and may have a national or even international scope. Federal agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), are better equipped to handle cases that extend beyond individual state jurisdictions.
- Specialized Federal Agencies: Federal agencies are often specialized and have the expertise and resources to investigate and prosecute complex financial crimes. For example, the SEC deals with securities fraud, while the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) focuses on tax-related offenses.
- Protection of Federal Programs and Institutions: Some white-collar crimes involve fraud or corruption against federal programs, agencies, or institutions. Fraudulent activities targeting government programs or funds may lead to federal charges.
- Uniform Application of Laws: The federal legal system provides a uniform set of laws and regulations that can be applied consistently across the entire country. This helps ensure a standardized approach to prosecuting and sentencing white-collar offenders.
- Global Financial Markets: Crimes such as securities fraud or insider trading often affect global financial markets. The federal government is better positioned to address these issues, working in coordination with international law enforcement agencies.
- Complexity and Resources: White-collar crimes are often intricate, involving complex financial transactions, extensive paper trails, and sophisticated schemes. Federal law enforcement agencies typically have the resources, expertise, and jurisdiction to handle such intricate cases.
- Deterrence and Public Trust: Federal prosecution of white-collar crimes is seen as a deterrent, sending a strong message that the government takes financial misconduct seriously. It helps maintain public trust in financial institutions and markets.
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What is the First Offense for Possession of a Controlled Substance in California?
For the first offense of possessing a controlled substance in California, the charge has been reduced to a misdemeanor, thanks to Proposition 47. This law means you'll likely face a maximum sentence of up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, the severity can still vary depending on the specific type and amount of drug possessed, with certain substances potentially enhancing the charge or adding additional penalties. Remember, this is just a general overview, and it's always best to consult with an attorney to assess your situation precisely. -
Lewd acts with a minorAny sort of sex crime involving a child under the age of 14 can be classified as a violent crime, even when no force or threat is involved. It is a legal tactic adopted by California criminal courts to allow prosecutors to push for inordinately severe penalties against child sex offenders.
I DID NOT ACTUALLY USE OR CONSUME AN ILLEGAL DRUG
Can I Still Be Charged With a Crime?
The unfortunate reality is that any type of drug possession – no matter how small the amount – can potentially be met with criminal charges and a conviction if the prosecution has sufficient evidence against you, even if you never actually consumed or ingested the drug in question. In some circumstances, simple possession may not necessarily land you time in jail for a first offense, but fines are still likely to be levied and a court-mandated treatment program may be required. In addition, drug-related crimes come with the potential for substantial penalties, ranging from loss of driver’s license to probation or community service. To secure your best chance at avoiding these and other consequences, it is critical to hire a seasoned Los Angeles drug crime lawyer who can work diligently to understand all aspects of your case and provide tailored legal guidance.
Attorney Goodman will fight hard on your behalf and pursue the most favorable outcome possible.
