Fresno DUI Attorneys Serving the Central Valley
Free Consultation
Drug Crimes These Are the Times When You Need the Best

Drug Crime Defense Lawyer in Fresno, CA

Proven Track Record for Fighting Drug Crime Charges. Call for a Free Case Review!

If you have been charged with a drug crime, you have no time to waste and must act quickly to retain our aggressive defense. Our drug crime defense attorneys in Fresno obtain a combined 65+ years of experience helping normal people avoid unimaginable consequences.

One of our lawyers at Wapner Jones, PC has served as a former prosecutor, meaning we have valuable insight into how the other side of the courtroom plans and operates drug crime cases. As such, we know how the prosecution works against you and can prepare defense strategies in anticipation of their attacks.

Time is of the essence, therefore we urge you to contact us at (559) 257-4707 immediately after learning about your drug crimes charge.

Types of Drug Crimes

Our drug crime defense lawyers are well-versed in defending the following charges:

  • Drug possession
  • Drug possession with intent to distribute
  • Drug manufacturing/delivery
  • Drug trafficking
  • Possession of drug paraphernalia
  • Prescription drug fraud

What are Some of the Consequences if Convicted of a Drug Crime?

Drug crimes are among the most serious offenses you can be accused of and are penalized as such. Society stereotypes drug offenders harshly, making a conviction for these types of crimes humiliating. For example, an employer may not hire you because of your criminal record, you may get kicked out of school and/or lose scholarships, and your reputation could suffer irreversible damage. These are some of the various punishments you are up against when accused of any drug crime.

What are California’s Drug Schedules?

Drug crimes come in various forms and can involve a range of controlled substances that are classified in drug schedules according to their accepted medical use and abuse or dependency potential. The US Drug Enforcement Administration classifies drugs, substances and chemicals into five different schedules:

  • Schedule I: Drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Examples include heroin, lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), marijuana (cannabis), 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (ecstasy), methaqualone and peyote.
  • Schedule II: Drugs that are considered dangerous and have a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. Examples include Vicodin, cocaine, methamphetamine, methadone, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), meperidine (Demerol), oxycodone (OxyContin), fentanyl, Dexedrine, Adderall and Ritalin.
  • Schedule III: Drugs with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence. Examples include Tylenol with codeine, ketamine, anabolic steroids, and testosterone.
  • Schedule IV: Drugs with a low potential for abuse and low risk of dependence. Examples include Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Darvocet, Valium, Ativan, Talwin, Ambien and Tramadol.
  • Schedule V: Drugs with lower potential for abuse than Schedule IV and consist of limited quantities of certain narcotics. They are generally used for antidiarrheal, antitussive, and analgesic purposes. Examples include Robitussin AC, Lomotil, Motofen, Lyrica and Parepectolin.

What are the Penalties for Drug Crimes in California?

Drug possession is among the most common drug crimes in the US. According to the FBI, an estimated 1,429,3000 people were arrested in 2018 for drug possession, which exceeds the number of arrests made for other drug offenses.

However, Proposition 47 made all drug possession offenses misdemeanors in California when it passed in 2014.

  • These penalties include up to 364 days in jail and/or up to $1,000 fines.
  • If convicted of drug trafficking, you may be punished with 3 to 9 years in prison and/or up to $20,000 fines.
  • Drug manufacturing penalties are also harsh, consisting of up to 7 years in prison and/or $50,000 fines.

Possible Defenses for Drug Crimes Charges

Our drug crimes defense attorneys take the time to listen carefully to your story, examine the details of your case beginning from the investigation and use our legal insight and resources to devise an effective defense strategy on your behalf. Your defense may consist of the following elements:

  • The police conducted an unlawful search and seizure
  • The drugs don’t belong to you
  • Miranda Rights violation
  • Entrapment
  • Lack of knowledge or intent
  • Addiction
  • Diversion programs in lieu of sentencing

The defenses above serve as a foundation that we can build and expand upon. When you retain our drug crimes lawyers to defend you, we can guide you through your case from start to finish to keep you up to date on the actions we’re taking to champion your best interests.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us at (559) 257-4707 for your free consultation!

Proof of Our Excellence

Trusted & Recommended
  • “Dear Mr. Wapner, I would like to take this opportunity to express my feelings as it relates to my experience with your firm. Too often we are all guilty of only speaking up when we are dissatisfied ...”

    - Client
  • “After searching around and meeting with many attorneys, I decided Wapner was the guy after our initial consultation. His extensive knowledge, professionalism, and experience makes him the best in the ...”

    - Client
  • “My best decision was not the night I got stopped (of course). My best decision was the day I hired Terry Wapner and Wapner Jones, PC. to represent me. Mr. Wapner took care of me and guided me through ...”

    - Client
  • “I appreciated your advice and representation today. One of my most favorite quotes from Maya A. is...."I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what your did, but people ...”

    - Client
  • - Client
/

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

These Are the Times in Your Life When You Need the Best
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.