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Some Orange County residents in Westminster find themselves facing criminal charges for the use and possession of illegal drugs. Drug possession is a serious crime in Orange County and, depending on the type of possession, the charges against you could be hefty. But, it is important that you know exactly what penalties you may face once charged with possession of drugs (recreational or otherwise). That's why you need a knowledgeable and experienced Orange County criminal defense attorney like Ms. Johnson-Norris to explain how the California drug laws work.
Drug possession is of two types - actual possession and constructive possession. Actual possession is when the drug is actually found on you, and constructive possession is when the drug in found in your house or car, with the legal inference being that you had knowledge of the drug and could have accessed it for use or sale if you wanted to. If you know which type of possession you're charged with, it can actually turn around your case and drastically reduce your penalties.
California State Laws for Drug PossessionThe State of California classifies controlled substances by using a system of "Schedules" (I through IV) to identify how dangerous each drug is. The schedule is also used to determine the seriousness of your drug offense and the potential sentence you may be facing. Possession of Schedule I drugs carry harsher sentences that Schedule IV. If you live in the City of Westminster, and have been charged with the use or possession of drugs, you will need the services of Westminster drug defense attorney Ms. Johnson-Norris to defend your rights.
Schedule I drugs are considered dangerous, can lead to abuse, and have little or no legitimate medical use. These include drugs such as LSD, marijuana, heroin and mescaline. While we do not believe that medical marijuana has no legitimate medical use, the federal government still classifies it as a Schedule I drug.
Schedule II drugs also have a risk of abuse but may have limited medical use, with a prescription and the supervision of a physician. These include drugs such as opium, cocaine, methadone and amphetamines. Cocaine is a stimulant, and when used in small and controlled doses, can be medically advantageous. Opium is commonly found in pain medication such as Vicodin, Morphine, fentanyl, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, oxycodone or OxyContin.
Schedule III drugs are less dangerous, but still pose risk of abuse, and some of them are available with a prescription from a medical doctor. The most common Schedule III drugs in possession and possession for sale cases are steroids. Steroids are common in gyms and, sadly, in high school locker rooms. In today’s competitive and high stakes sports market, gaining an edge at any cost is not uncommon. Minors charged with possession of steroids or another performance enhancing drug in Westminster can face consequences that restrict their liberty immediately, and even reduce options for attending college.
Schedule IV drugs have slight risk of abuse with acceptable medical use. These include drugs such as clonazepam, tranquilizers, and sedatives.
Some drug charges are misdemeanors and some are felonies. A misdemeanor drug offense might include possession of marijuana for personal use, but most drug charges are felonies; and you could be facing prison time, forever changing your life.
If you have a valid prescription for the drug that you were found to be in possession of from a professional medical practitioner, it's possible to minimize your fines payable in court. In case a police officer searched your vehicle without reason, you could use that on your side as a violation of the fourth amendment. All you need is a lawyer to tell you exactly how to turn around the case in your favor.
No matter what charges you face, if it involves drug possession, call the expert attorney at the Law Office of Ms. Johnson-Norris immediately at (949) 622-5522. Whether you've been charged with drug possession, possession with the intent to sell, trafficking, distributing or cultivating, Ms. Johnson-Norris is an Orange County criminal defense attorney who's concerned about your rights and freedom, and will do everything within her power to get you the best possible results.