A drug crime is a criminal act involving the manufacturing, possession, sales or trafficking of a substance that is illegal for a person to possess. Unlawful drugs include: methamphetamines, heroin, LSD, cocaine, crack, marijuana. Possessing certain controlled substances, prescription drugs, without having a valid prescription is also illegal.

Commonly committed drug crimes include: possession, possession with intent to sell, possession of paraphernalia, manufacturing, trafficking, distribution, cultivation, and money laundering.

Possession for sales or distribution is much more serious. These charges often carry State Prison time and are not eligible for diversion or alternative sentencing.

We aggressively represent you, and make the prosecution and the judges see you as a person who made a mistake, not as a criminal offender. Providing you with personal attention means that we can take the time to fight to get you alternative sentencing rather than just being punished by jail or prison time.

California is one of the nation's leaders when it comes to alternative sentencing for drug crimes. Depending on your circumstances, your case may be referred to a drug court or drug diversion program, where rehabilitation is frequently the alternative to jail. First-time offenders charged with simple drug possession are often eligible for a drug diversion program. Upon successful completion of the required drug rehab, community service, restitution and probation, the drug possession conviction may be removed from your criminal record. Generally, someone arrested for the first time and is found to be under the influence or in possession of a small amount of an illegal substance will qualify for a "diversion" or alternative sentencing, which, if completed successfully, will allow the criminal charge to be dismissed.

If there are extenuating circumstances the prosecution and courts are more likely to allow alternative sentencing. If you have drug or alcohol addiction and want to get clean and sober there are programs that are offered. If this is your first arrest for drug related crimes you may be eligible for alternative sentencing.