METH POSSESSION DEFENSE
Former Sr. Prosecutors Now Meth Possession Defense Attorneys
Possession of Methamphetamine (also commonly referred to as “crystal meth”, “ice”, “crank”, or “speed”) is one of the most prevalent drug possession charges in Southern California. Whether you are facing a 1st offense misdemeanor Meth possession or a felony possession with intent to sell Meth, it is important that you consult with experienced legal counsel immediately to prepare for the path ahead.
Although the passing of Prop. 47 reduced simple drug possession or possession for “personal use” charges to misdemeanor level offenses, even a misdemeanor drug related conviction can negatively impact future employment prospects, current or future professional licensing, and citizenship eligibility. It is important for you to know that these consequences can be mitigated by a qualified drug possession defense lawyer with experience defending drug charges throughout each of the Los Angeles criminal courts.
Since 1987, Los Angeles criminal defense lawyers, Mr. Paul Takakjian and Mr. Stephen Sitkoff, have successfully defended individuals like yourself in a wide array of drug related cases ranging from misdemeanor possession of Meth, Cocaine, Marijuana, Ecstasy (MDMA), Heroin, and prescription drugs, to more serious felony drug offenses, such as possession with intent to sell and transportation of a controlled substance. Call us now at (888) 579-4844 for a free consultation to review your case and your options.
Our Methamphetamine Possession Defense Approach
As former senior LA prosecutors and law enforcement instructors with almost 70 years of combined trial experience, Mr. Takakjian and Mr. Sitkoff each brings with them an unparalleled insight and advantage into every Meth possession case they defend. Whether it is attacking a specific element of the prosecution’s case, such as warrantless or illegal searches to utilizing their relationships with prosecutors and judges throughout the Los Angeles Superior Court system to negotiate dismissal of charges through diversionary sentences or plea agreements to lesser offenses, our firm is committed to securing the best possible outcomes for our clients. In order to accomplish this, we thoroughly investigate the following aspects of your drug possession case:
- Did law enforcement have probable cause to search your vehicle, home or person?
- Did you have “actual” or “constructive” possession of Methamphetamine?
- Was the warrant used by law enforcement to search your vehicle or home obtained legally and properly?
- Were your Miranda rights violated after your arrest and subsequent interrogation?
Alternatively, if your case involves strong evidence, such as your confession, video or audio evidence, and/or reliable witness testimony, a dismissal or reduction of charges can still be attained through PC 1000 or Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ).
Possession Of Methamphetamine Penalties
If you have been cited, arrested or charged with a misdemeanor H&S 11377 - Possession of Methamphetamine in Los Angeles or anywhere else in Southern California, you face the following potential consequences:
- Summary (unsupervised) probation
- Up to $1,000 fine
- Up to 1 year in County Jail
- Court ordered substance abuse rehabilitation program
- Community service or labor
- Criminal record
Can Meth Possession Be Charged As Felony In California?
Yes, if any of the following applies to you:
- You have been previously convicted of a prior serious or strikeable felony
- You are a registered sex offender under California Penal Code 290
Felony possession of Meth in California carries the following potential penalties:
- Formal (supervised) probation
- Up to 3 years in State Prison
- Court ordered substance abuse rehabilitation program
- Community service or labor
- Criminal record
Meth Possession With Intent To Sell
The punishment for possession of Meth is further enhanced if you are alleged to have either possessed or attempted to purchase the controlled substance with intent sell or distribute. Prosecuted under HS 11378, Meth possession with intent to sell is categorized as a “straight felony,” meaning it cannot be reduced to a misdemeanor. You do not have to be caught making a drug sale or transaction in order to be charged with felony Meth sales, nor are you necessarily required to possess an amount that exceeds personal use. Simply being found in possession of Meth, even with an amount that reasonably falls within the range of personal use, can result in a felony HS 11378 drug charge if you are also found in possession of the following:
- Individually packaged “baggies” of Meth
- Scale
- Large amount of cash
- A ledger tracking money owed from past Meth sales transactions
- Incriminating text messages on your phone discussing drug transactions
Punishment And Sentencing For HS 11378 – Meth Sales In Los Angeles
As a straight felony, possession of Meth with intent to sell carries an enhanced punishment, which can involve state prison sentences. Furthermore, possession of Meth for sale is NOT eligible for drug diversion. Although an experienced drug crimes defense lawyer can negotiate a reduction of your Meth sales charge down to simple possession of Meth under HS 11377 to restore your eligibility for drug diversion, if his or her efforts fail, you face the following punishment and sentencing if you are convicted of Meth sales:
- Up to 3 years in California State Prison
- If probation is granted, up to 1 year in LA County Jail
- Up to $10,000 fine
- Formal (supervised probation)
- Felony criminal record
Why Should You Contact Our Los Angeles Meth Possession Defense Firm?
Whether you are facing a first time drug offense or you are a multi-offender, you can rest assured that as a client of our firm you will receive first class legal representation and a genuine commitment to the successful resolution of your case. Unlike many other Los Angeles drug crimes defense firms, you will be represented by a managing partner who is a former senior LA prosecutor, Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, and former LASD academy instructor. If you have been arrested in Los Angeles, or anywhere else in Southern California, please contact our West Los Angeles office now at (310) 312-8055 or toll-free at (888) 579-4844 for a free no-obligation consultation to review the facts of your case and each of your potential outcomes. For our clients’ convenience, we also maintain satellite office locations in the following cities:
Long Beach, Torrance, Pasadena, Encino, Woodland Hills, Glendale, Burbank, West Covina, Cerritos, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Huntington Beach, Orange, Newport Beach, Corona, and Ontario.
Call for Your Free Initial Consultation: (310) 312-8055
When deciding on a criminal defense law firm, choose wisely as your future could depend on it. We offer our many positive reviews, client and peer ratings, and accreditations to put your mind at ease that we are a law firm you can rely on to defend you.