Drug Crimes

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In the United States, 2,000,000 drug abuse violations are reported annually, making it among the most common felony offense. In the State of California, drug crimes follow the national trend and are some of the most widely prosecuted felonies. Sam J. Polverino aggressively defends individuals who have been charged with drug-related offenses. Drug crime charges are serious and carry substantial penalties, especially when prosecuted as felonies. If you or a loved one has been charged with a drug crime, this San Jose criminal defense lawyer can discuss your case, provide you with how the law applies to you or a loved one, and develop a successful defense theory.

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COMMON DRUG CRIMES AND PENALTIES

Drugs, or "controlled substances," can include a wide variety of contraband such as crank, powdered cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, methamphetamine and others. Controlled substances also include illegal prescription drugs, such as painkillers. A person suspected of engaging in illegal drug activity can be charged with any of the following depending on the circumstances of the case:

• Being under the influence of the drug

• Drug possession

• Drug possession with the intent of sale

• Drug sales trafficking

• Drug manufacturing

• Importation or transportation of controlled substance

• Federal drug crimes

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How drug offenses are charged and punished varies. They are based on several factors, including the type or quantity of the drug and how it was intended to be used or sold. Possession of more potent drugs, such as cocaine or methamphetamine, may result in felony charges regardless of the amount. If a person is found with a large amount of drugs on their person, in their home or in their vehicle, they may be convicted of drug trafficking, based on evidence showing intent to sell. On the other hand, one may qualify for "deferred entry of judgment" commonly known as "diversion" if you meet the legal qualifications. What looks intimidating at first may be easily resolved without a conviction if you qualify for deferred entry of judgment. An experienced attorney can explain the specific facts and circumstances of your case.

 

A drug crime charge can alter someone's life and their career

 

One small mistake can cause ripple effects felt years later. A conviction can hinder one's ability to find employment or jeopardize existing employment. One mistake should not destroy your future, and your freedom should not be squandered because of that mistake. Sam J. Polverino knows how important it is to have an experienced and knowledgeable attorney by your side when facing drug charges in the Santa Clara County court system. Mr. Polverino can assess your case personally, identify its strengths or weaknesses, and seek the best possible outcome. Many of these cases can be influenced by determining whether the Fourth Amendment, which protects you against an illegal search and seizure of the evidence, was violated.

 

Do not assume that the odds are stacked against you or the evidence is too incriminating. Talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney such as Sam J. Polverino. He can help you understand your case and the potential penalties that apply. Mr. Polverino has more than 40 years of experience defending people who have been charged with criminal offenses and challenging evidence in such cases. He is committed to seeing his clients receive the best possible defense. He is dedicated to protecting his clients' rights. He will seek alternatives to jail, and has been successful in obtaining reductions of charges, dismissals, and acquittals after jury trials. If you, or a loved one, has been arrested for a drug crime then experience matters.