Lemoore Drug Crime Lawyer

Lemoore Drug Crime Attorney

Individuals who are facing criminal charges related to controlled substances may need to retain a Lemoore drug crime lawyer. A knowledgeable criminal defense attorney can file motions to suppress evidence, examine arrest warrants, and determine if the state violated the law during your arrest or during the interrogation process. Understanding your legal rights can help you defend your liberty.

The team at the Carlos Navarrete Law Firm has years of experience helping clients who need legal representation. We focus on criminal defense cases and advocate for our clients both inside and outside of the courtroom. If you are seeking an experienced defense attorney in Lemoore, California, reach out to us today to schedule a consultation.

Drug Offenses in California

In 2023, 43.5 percent of total sentences in California were related to drug offenses. The percentage of drug offense convictions resulting in incarceration in a state institution in California decreased in 2024 from 19.7 percent to 16.7 percent.

Drug crimes are vast and diverse. Cultivation offenses refer to the growth, production, and possession of certain plants or elements used to produce controlled substances. Distribution crimes are related to individuals or groups who move controlled substances from one area to another. Other drug offenses involve actions associated with drug sales, drug manufacturing, and the possession of controlled substances.

California Health & Safety Code §11379 codifies offenses related to the manufacturing of controlled substances, including methamphetamine, opium, and cocaine. Individuals in California may face both state and federal charges. Federal charges are more likely to be related to drug cases regarding the trafficking and distribution of vast quantities of controlled substances.

Typical Penalties Related to Drug Charges in California

The penalties generally associated with drug crime convictions in California include fines, terms of imprisonment, and asset forfeiture. These penalties vary depending on the nature and severity of the specific charges the state files against the defendant. For less serious offenses, defendants may be able to participate in a drug diversion program rather than serving a sentence in a county jail or a state prison.

Common Defenses to Drug Crime Offenses in California

Attorneys can utilize a variety of defenses in drug crime cases. The following are some of the most common defenses to drug crime offenses in California:

• Faulty lab analysis
• Evidence planted
• Questionable ownership
• Entrapment
• Unlawful searches and seizures

A skilled drug crime lawyer can often file motions to suppress evidence that was seized in violation of the defendant’s constitutional rights related to the Fourth Amendment. Also, law enforcement officers may have violated a defendant’s Fifth Amendment and Sixth Amendment rights during a custodial interrogation.

Working with a criminal defense attorney involves examining charging documents, arrest reports, and warrants. These documents may contain unlawful violations that an attorney can use to have criminal charges reduced or dropped. Also, a drug crime lawyer can participate in plea negotiations with the state to seek dismissal of the charges against the defendant.

Hire a Drug Crime Lawyer

If you are facing criminal charges related to controlled substances, then you may need to hire a drug crime lawyer. Obtaining legal representation can help you understand more about your legal rights and the relevant defenses that may help you have the charges filed against you reduced or dismissed. A knowledgeable defense attorney can review the evidentiary record to ascertain whether the state violated your constitutional rights.

About Us

Carlos Navarrete devotes his practice to criminal defense. He earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Fresno, and his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles. He has over 23 years of trial experience in Kings and Lake Counties.

Lemoore is home to approximately 27,000 residents and the NAS Lemoore Military Base. Carlos Navarrette Law Firm has assisted numerous clients in Lemoore and the surrounding areas in situations similar to yours. We are ready to advocate for you, too.

FAQs About Drug Crime Law

How To Win a Drug Possession Case?

Being successful in a drug possession case can involve suppressing evidence that the state obtained through illegal searches and seizures. Also, a skilled criminal defense attorney can establish that the defendant did not have custody or control over a controlled substance. Lawyers may file a motion to suppress evidence and argue that the initial traffic stop was illegal and violated the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights.

What Is the Most Popular Reason That Cases Get Dismissed?

The most popular reasons that cases get dismissed are the lack of sufficient evidence to establish that the defendant violated every element of a criminal offense beyond a reasonable doubt. The state may present illegally obtained evidence. Some witnesses may not be cooperative, and the state may have violated the defendant’s Fourth Amendment rights and Miranda rights.

What Is the Minimum Sentence For Drugs?

The minimum sentence for drugs in California depends on whether the charge is for simple possession, possession for sale, or trafficking. For simple possession, jail time is typically not ordered. Instead, defendants may be ordered to participate in diversion programs. Possession with intent to sell often carries a sentence of county jail. Minimum sentences for drug trafficking are typically more severe, depending on the facts of the case.

Do Drug Charges Ever Get Dropped?

Yes, drug charges may be dropped or dismissed in California. A prosecutor may negotiate a plea deal with the defendant and drop the charges or reduce the charges filed against the defendant. A dismissal is a legal ruling by a judge. In both circumstances, the case can end without the defendant being convicted of a criminal offense. The way to learn more about these aspects of a criminal case is to consult with a criminal defense attorney.

Contact a Drug Crime Lawyer Today to Schedule a Consultation

Drug crime charges can leave individuals feeling anxious, victimized, and insecure about their employment and housing. If you are facing drug crime charges in California, then you need to consider seeking legal representation to learn more about which possible defenses may apply to your case. Being proactive during this time can help you feel less fear and stress.

If you are seeking a drug crime lawyer in Lemoore, contact us today to schedule a consultation to discuss the facts of your case. The team at the Carlos Navarrete Law Firm works tirelessly to help clients defend their freedom and enforce their legal rights.