Drug Crime Attorneys with a Track Record of Success
Cocaine is a highly addictive Schedule II drug. As such, it is illegal to possess for personal use or to sell to others in any form. If you have been accused of a drug crime involving cocaine, you will be facing a number of serious penalties. With so much on the line, we understand how frightening this situation can be. In order to ensure that your rights are protected during this difficult time, you should immediately get in touch with an experienced attorney who can navigate you through the legal system and ensure that you stay informed about every aspect of your case. Tell us about your case. Fill out a confidential online consultation form. To discuss your rights, and how to protect them, you can email Ms. Landry and her staff here. In addition, you can listen to, and or download, her OC, CA Criminal Defense Attorney podcast episodes by clicking here.
Penalties for Possession of Cocaine
After the passage of Prop 47 in 2014, possession of cocaine has been reclassified from a felony drug crime to a misdemeanor crime for offenders without prior serious felony convictions and who are not registered sex offenders.
Those who are arrested and convicted of misdemeanor possession of cocaine may face penalties including:
- Up to one year in jail
- Up to $1,000 fine
- Probation
- Court ordered drug education program
- Community service
Penalties for Felony Offenses
Defendants who are accused of possession of cocaine who have prior aggravated felony convictions on their record, or who are registered sex offenders under PC 290, can be charged with a felony offense under HS 11350.
The increased penalties for this offense include:
- Up to three years in prison
- Probation
- Court ordered drug education program
- Community service
Those charged with possession of cocaine with intent to sell, as evidenced by possession of a large quantity of the drug and/or the presence of weighing and packaging materials, may face punishments pursuant to HS 11351.
Punishments include:
- Up to four years in prison
- Up to $20,000 fine
- Formal probation
- Cash and property seizure
- Court ordered drug education program
- Community service
Experienced OC Drug Crime Lawyers
A charge for possession of cocaine should be taken very seriously. As with any drug crime, a conviction could cost you your freedom and have lasting repercussions that follow you far into the future. If you are being charged with a crime, do not delay in contacting an attorney who can defend you. At the Law Offices of Virginia L. Landry, we have aggressively fought to protect the rights of the accused since 1989. Highly recommended by clients and respected by judges, our attorneys provide each client with personalized, attentive legal counsel that aims to safeguard your best interests. We serve clients in Orange County, Aliso Viejo, and the surrounding areas.
Contact us today to schedule a FREE and confidential evaluation of your case.