If you’ve been arrested and charged with a drug offense in Orange County, CA, your friends, family, and co-workers have probably advised you to seek the services of an experienced drug defense attorney. You’d be smart to listen to them and contact Orange County, CA criminal defense attorney Jim Tanizaki.
Jim Tanizaki is a former Orange County, DA turned drug crime defense attorney. His unique background and experience give him an advantage other criminal defense attorneys don’t possess. Jim knows the strategies the prosecution will employ in order to gain a conviction, especially when it comes to a drug conviction. He’ll be able to analyze the evidence in your case and devise an effective counter-strategy. Jim’s expertise often results in a reduction of charges or a dismissal of charges for his clients.
Contact the law offices of Jim Tanizaki through our website or call us at (714) 655-7633 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.
Possession of Marijuana in Orange County CA
Although marijuana has been decriminalized in California, possession of marijuana is illegal in California unless you have a valid medical marijuana prescription. Depending on several factors (prior criminal record, the amount of marijuana in your possession at the time of your arrest, etc.) you could be charged with an infraction, misdemeanor, or felony.
Possession of Under 28.5 oz of Marijuana is considered to be an infraction. You could face up to $100 in fines and be ordered to attend a drug education class or program if convicted. A conviction won’t appear on your record.
Possession of Over 28.5 oz of Marijuana is a misdemeanor. You could face up to 6 months in jail, up to $500 in fines, and be ordered to perform community service or attend a drug education class or program if convicted. The conviction will appear on your record.
Possession of concentrated cannabis or “designer” substances like “spice” or “kush” could result in either a misdemeanor or felony charges. Depending on the charges, you could face from up to 1 year in County jail to up to 3 years in state prison, up to $500 in fines, probation, and be ordered to perform community service or attend a drug education class or program if convicted. The conviction will appear on your record.
Possession of Cocaine in Orange County CA
Possession of cocaine for personal use is now considered a misdemeanor drug crime. However, you could still be charged with a felony, depending on certain aggravating circumstances, such as if you were arrested in possession of both cocaine and a loaded firearm.
If you’re convicted on misdemeanor or felony charges of simple possession of cocaine in Orange County CA, you could face from up to 1 year in County jail (misdemeanor) to up to 3 years in state prison (felony), up to $1000 in fines ($2000 if it’s your second conviction), probation, and be ordered to perform community service or attend a drug education class or program if convicted. The conviction will appear on your record. A conviction for felony possession of cocaine with a loaded firearm could get you up to 4 years in state prison. The conviction will appear on your record.
Possession of Heroin in Orange County CA
In California, heroin is classified as a schedule 1 drug due to its high potential for abuse and significantly higher potential for psychological and physical dependency. Prosecutors treat cases of heroin possession very seriously, especially in instances of possession of heroin for sale.
Depending on the circumstances, you could be charged with a misdemeanor or felony. A misdemeanor conviction could get you up to 1 year in County jail; a felony conviction up to 3 years in state prison. You could also be ordered to pay fines of up to $1000 ($2000 if it’s your second conviction), probation, perform community service or attend a drug education class or program. The conviction will appear on your record.
You could also face additional misdemeanor charges for possession of drug paraphernalia such as smoking devices or hypodermic needles.
Possession of Methamphetamines in Orange County CA
A significant percentage of drug crimes in Orange County involve methamphetamines, or “meth.” Possession of methamphetamines can result in either a misdemeanor or felony drug charges. A misdemeanor conviction could get you up to 1 year in County jail; a felony conviction up to 3 years in state prison. You could also be ordered to pay fines of up to $1000, probation, perform community service or attend a drug education class or program. The conviction will appear on your record.
Possession of Prescription Medications Without a Prescription in Orange County CA
In most cases, if you’re arrested for possession of prescription medications without a valid prescription in Orange, CA, you could be facing misdemeanor or felony drug possession charges. A misdemeanor conviction for possession of prescription medications without a prescription could get you up to 1 year in County jail; a felony conviction for up to 3 years in state prison. You could also be ordered to pay fines of up to $1000, probation, perform community service or attend a drug education class or program. The conviction will appear on your record.
Contact an Orange County CA Drug Defense Attorney
Have you been arrested for drug possession in Orange County, CA? Contact the law offices of Jim Tanizaki through our website or call us at (714) 655-7633 without delay. No matter how the situation looks, always remember that you’re innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. There are legal defense strategies for any drug charge.