Drug Trafficking Lawyer in Riverside, California

California laws are tough on drug crimes. While a felony conviction for an offense like drug trafficking or drug manufacturing may result in incarceration, hefty fines, and other negative consequences, it often may be possible to ask for a reduction or dismissal of the charges brought by the State in many cases. Retaining a drug crime lawyer is an important step to take in seeking to minimize or avoid the consequences to the extent possible.

Experienced San Bernardino and Riverside County drug trafficking attorney Gregory H. Comings is committed to helping people accused of drug crimes in Southern California. He provides aggressive representation as well as a candid analysis of the options available in a client’s circumstances.

Key Drug Trafficking Defense Strategies 

Each drug trafficking case is unique, but a skilled drug trafficking attorney will develop strategies specific to your situation. Common defense approaches include challenging the legality of search and seizure, scrutinizing evidence handling, and questioning law enforcement’s adherence to protocol. Let’s look at how a knowledgeable drug trafficking defense team will approach these strategies.

Unlawful Search and Seizure

Under the Fourth Amendment, law enforcement must respect your right to freedom from unreasonable search and seizure. If police searched your vehicle, home, or property without a valid warrant or probable cause, your attorney can file a motion to suppress any resulting evidence. When successful, this suppression can weaken the prosecution’s case considerably, sometimes leading to case dismissal altogether.

Entrapment

If law enforcement agents encouraged or coerced you into committing a trafficking offense that you otherwise would not have committed, entrapment could be a viable defense. This defense is especially relevant in sting operations where law enforcement pushes individuals to engage in trafficking under pressure or false pretenses.

Personal Use vs. Intent to Distribute

Showing that the substances found were meant for personal use rather than distribution can reduce charges from trafficking to possession, a lesser offense with less severe penalties. Your attorney will analyze the quantity of drugs, any paraphernalia, and other aspects of the case to show you had no intent to sell the substances.

Flaws in Evidence Handling

Proper documentation and handling of evidence are critical in any drug case. If the chain of custody, which ensures the integrity of evidence, is compromised or if evidence was tampered with, a knowledgeable drug trafficking lawyer can question the validity of the evidence. A break in the chain of custody could discredit the prosecution’s case and lead to reduced charges or dismissal.

Pursuing the Dismissal or Reduction of California Drug Trafficking Charges

Attorney Comings uses his knowledge of California‘s criminal justice system, combined with his passion for protecting the rights of defendants, to navigate clients through cases involving trafficking, distribution, selling, transportation, or illegal importation of controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines. State drug laws are particularly harsh when it comes to the trafficking or transportation of large quantities of drugs, and police may make assumptions – that are frequently unfounded – about whether a defendant possessed drugs for personal use or for resale.

If a defendant is able to show that they intended the controlled substances found in their possession for personal use rather than for sale to others, it may be possible to defeat a trafficking charge. In this situation, the defendant may be found guilty of the lesser offense of possession, and the amount found may be considered in determining the defendant’s punishment under state sentencing guidelines.

Certain factors, such as the distribution of drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or playground, may also affect the defendant’s sentence through enhancement provisions. Gregory H. Comings, as an experienced drug trafficking lawyer, can help Riverside County and San Bernardino County residents develop a strategy tailored to their situation.

The State has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases, although the defendant may need to meet an initial burden of proof with regard to an affirmative defense, such as entrapment by coercive tactics of law enforcement. The Constitution also offers people accused of crimes certain protections, including the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to remain silent, and the right to the effective assistance of counsel. A violation of any of these or other rights may result in illegally obtained evidence being excluded at trial, which may help the defendant obtain an acquittal or a conviction on a lesser charge. This may greatly reduce any jail time or fines that they face.

Why Local Knowledge Counts in California Drug Trafficking Cases

California’s drug trafficking laws are notoriously complex, with additional sentencing enhancements and guidelines that can drastically increase penalties. This makes local expertise critical, as a drug trafficking lawyer with specific California experience will be familiar with the nuances of state courtrooms in Riverside, San Bernardino, and surrounding counties. Choosing a local lawyer who understands these subtleties offers you a significant edge as you prepare for court and deal with the legal system.

Seek Assistance from a Drug Trafficking Attorney in Riverside County or San Bernardino County

A conviction of a felony drug offense may have lifelong implications, but not every arrest needs to result in a conviction. If you are facing a drug trafficking charge, you should talk to a skillful San Bernardino and Riverside County drug trafficking lawyer as soon as possible. To learn more about possible strategies in your case, call Law Office of Gregory H. Comings, APC, or contact us online to set up an appointment. In addition to providing assistance in the full range of drug crime cases, attorney Gregory H. Comings also represents people who need a domestic violence lawyer or assistance in fighting charges of sex crimes or any crime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Penalties Can I Expect If Convicted of Drug Trafficking in California?

Penalties for drug trafficking in California vary widely. A judge could sentence you to a term of three to nine years of imprisonment, fines up to $20,000, and potential asset forfeiture. A conviction can also lead to lifelong restrictions on employment, housing, and more.

Can a Drug Trafficking Lawyer Get My Charges Dismissed?

In some cases, an experienced drug trafficking lawyer might identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence or procedural errors that could lead to reduced or dismissed charges.

What Should I Look for in a Drug Trafficking Attorney?

Look for someone with local experience, a deep understanding of California drug laws, and a record of success in challenging complex drug cases. Their familiarity with California courts can be a major advantage.

How Can My Attorney Challenge Evidence in a Drug Trafficking Case?

Attorneys can challenge evidence by scrutinizing search procedures, questioning the legality of seizures, and filing motions to suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, which may significantly impact the case outcome.

Is Hiring a Drug Trafficking Attorney Necessary If I Believe I’m Innocent?

Even if you’re innocent, the legal process is complex, and the prosecution will push aggressively for a conviction. A defense attorney will advocate for your rights while working to ensure a fair process and favorable outcome.