O’Connor Law APC defends clients against drug charges involving the sale, possession, or manufacturing of marijuana, cocaine, LSD, ecstasy, heroin, crack, and methamphetamines, as well as certain controlled prescription pharmaceuticals such as morphine, codeine, methadone, and others. If you have been charged with being under the influence of drugs, possession of drugs for personal use, possession of drugs with the intent to sell, or narcotics trafficking, you need a Contra Costa County drug crime lawyer who can fight for your rights. Contact O’Connor Law APC for a free consultation today.
While state and federal law enforcement agencies focus on prosecuting people for drug crimes, criminal activity that poses a far greater danger to society goes relatively unchecked. One reason for the focus on drug crimes is that they are quite easy for police to pursue. Another reason is that the seizure of cash, real estate, and other assets in drug raids helps fund the operation of the DEA.
For these reasons and others, police and federal authorities aggressively pursue convictions for allegations of drug crimes. If you face charges for drug possession, trafficking, manufacturing or any other drug crime, you need a Contra Costa County criminal defense attorney who will aggressively defend your constitutional rights in court.
We aggressively defend clients accused in State and Federal Court of all drug-related charges, including:
As a government prosecutor, Matthew O’Connor was assigned to the District Attorney’s Specialized Narcotics Unit. Within this capacity, we have interfaced with every level of law enforcement, including the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (D.E.A.), California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, California Highway Patrol (CHP), and local drug task forces.
We defend all types of drug charges:
The penalties for drug charges in California can vary widely depending on the type of drug involved, the quantity, and whether the offense is classified as simple possession or something more serious like possession for sale, manufacturing, or trafficking. A first-time offender caught with a small amount of a controlled substance may be eligible for diversion programs under Proposition 36 or California’s drug court system. However, not all cases qualify, and the consequences can escalate quickly.
Possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription is typically charged as a misdemeanor, carrying up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. However, when there is evidence of intent to sell—such as packaging materials, scales, or large quantities of cash—charges may be elevated to felonies. Felony convictions can result in several years in state prison, significant fines, and long-term consequences such as loss of professional licenses and immigration consequences for non-citizens.
Manufacturing drugs or engaging in large-scale trafficking operations is prosecuted even more aggressively. These charges often carry mandatory minimum prison sentences and are frequently filed in federal court, where sentencing guidelines are typically harsher.
A prior criminal record, proximity to schools, or involvement of minors can all serve as aggravating factors that increase the severity of the penalties. Each case is fact-specific, and an experienced drug crime attorney can help fight to reduce or dismiss charges, suppress unlawfully obtained evidence, and pursue alternative sentencing where available.
While California has legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and older, there are still strict regulations in place—and violating them can carry significant legal penalties. Many people mistakenly believe that marijuana laws no longer carry consequences, but this is far from the truth.
For example, possessing more than 28.5 grams of marijuana (about one ounce) or more than 8 grams of concentrated cannabis is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in county jail and a fine of up to $500. Possession by anyone under the age of 21, even in small amounts, can result in mandatory drug education classes, community service, and fines.
It is also illegal to consume marijuana in public, drive under the influence, or transport marijuana across state lines. Violations can lead to citations, license suspension, or even misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the circumstances.
Unlicensed cultivation, distribution, or sale of marijuana remains a serious offense. Operating a cannabis business without proper state and local licenses can result in felony charges, especially when large quantities or other aggravating factors are involved. Additionally, selling marijuana to minors or involving minors in a cannabis operation can lead to severe felony penalties, including state prison.
Don’t face drug charges alone–a skilled drug crime lawyer here at O’Connor Law APC stands ready to assess the circumstances of your case, and, from there, fight for the best outcome possible on your behalf. Contact O’Connor Law APC to schedule your free initial consultation with our firm today.
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