Salinas Drug Crime Lawyers

Understanding California’s Drug Laws

Despite our society’s changing attitude towards drug use and addiction, our courts and jails continue to be flooded by cases involving being under the influence of, possession, distribution, or sales of controlled substances. If you have been charged with possession, transportation, sales, or distribution of controlled substances, we can help!

We have defended hundreds of drug cases at all stages of litigation, and have been able to obtain favorable results from our clients ranging from successful motions to suppress evidence and acquittals in jury trials to creative felony sentencing and drug treatment programs.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, Law Offices of William V. Pernik can help you:

• Challenge the legality of the evidence obtained against you during the search of your person, automobile, or home
• Attack credibility of the informants used by the police and challenge the warrants issued based on their statements
• Fight to keep out any incriminating statements you may have made to the police under duress or without Miranda warnings
• Locate and interview witnesses, and source the funds improperly seized from you as drug proceeds
• Plea bargain with the prosecution to get your charges reduced or dismissed
• Effectively represent you in a jury trial or a court trial
• Investigate and present to the court creative sentencing options, such as long-term drug treatment programs

What is Proposition 47?

For many of our clients, the voters’ passage of Proposition 47 on November 4, 2014, came as welcomed news because it has reclassified, with few exceptions, simple possessory drug offenses from felonies to misdemeanors, allowing persons who have sustained such prior felony convictions to petition the courts to recall their sentences and reclassify them as appropriate under the new law. Many members of the law enforcement, however, are resistant to change.

Many of the “borderline” cases that involve fairly minor quantities of drugs are now being prosecuted as drug sales, instead of possession, thereby avoiding the intended effect of Proposition 47.

Such non-possessory drug crimes:

• Continue to carry lengthy jail sentences and heavy fines
• Could result in forfeiture of money or assets believed to be unlawful drug proceeds
• Could have other serious collateral consequences, including “prior sales” enhancements if you are ever charged with a similar offense in the future

What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes?

In the state of California, being charged with a drug crime is a serious matter. If convicted, you are facing jail time, fines, probation and more. The severity of your penalties largely depends on what type of drug and how much of it was in your possession. That is why you need the help of an experienced drug crime attorney from The Law Offices of William V. Pernik.

Drug Crimes Affecting Immigration

Drug convictions can also have serious immigration consequences for you, depending on your legal status in the country, even if you complete a local drug treatment program and are promised a dismissal of your case.

For this reason, any time you're facing drug crime charges or have been arrested for drug offenses, it's important that you take the time to consult with a drug crime defense lawyer who can give you a better understanding of the charges you are facing, your constitutional rights, and your legal options.

Why Hire Drug Crime Lawyers?

It's important to hire a criminal defense lawyer after you have been arrested for a drug crime. Drug crimes often come with serious repercussions and penalties, so it is essential to be represented by an experienced drug crime lawyer who can help protect your rights.

Drug crime lawyers will review the evidence and circumstances of your case, negotiate plea deals if necessary, and provide legal advice throughout the criminal process. He or she will also ensure that any relevant constitutional protections are upheld in court.

In addition, hiring a drug crime lawyer may allow you to take advantage of diversion programs available in some cases, which could result in reduced charges or no jail time at all. Ultimately, having an experienced drug crime lawyer on your side during this difficult time can give you peace of mind and help you get the best possible outcome.

If you have been arrested for a drug crime, don’t hesitate to contact our firm and let us fight for you inside and outside the courtroom. We can guide you through the criminal process and provide legal support every step of the way. Having someone knowledgeable on your side can make all the difference in your case.

Skilled Drug Crimes Attorneys in Salinas and Surrounding Areas

The Law Offices of William V. Pernik serves the entire Monterey County, including the cities of Salinas, Marina, Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove, and accepts cases from nearby counties of Santa Cruz and San Benito. Upon request, we also take selected cases from the San Francisco Bay Area.