When you are found in possession of a controlled substance in California, you can face criminal charges as a result. If this represents your circumstances, it’s important to understand how the state handles these offenses, including how these charges are determined and the penalties you can face as a result. If this represents your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn how a Contra Costa County drug crime lawyer can help you if you are facing a drug possession offense in California.

What Are the Different Drug Schedules?

California, like all states, classifies controlled substances based on their severity. As such, drugs are separated into Schedules, with the most addictive and dangerous in Schedule I, and the least dangerous in Schedule V. Common substances found in each Schedule include:

  • Schedule I: Substances that have a high risk of abuse and no accepted medical use in the United States, like Cocaine, MDMA, and heroin.
  • Schedule II: Substances in this schedule have a high risk of abuse and dependency, but have limited accepted medical uses. This includes Methamphetamines, Adderall, Ritalin, which
  • Schedule III – Schedule V: Controlled substances in these schedules have a wider range of accepted medical uses, and the risk of abuse decreases further down the schedules. However, these drugs do still carry the risk, and as such, must be regulated. The substances in these categories range from Xanax and Pentobarbital to cough syrup and Diazepam.

What Consequences Can I Face if I’m Convicted of Drug Possession?

In California, the penalties you can face for possession of a controlled substance will vary based on several factors, including the type of drug and the amount in your possession. The laws in California have drastically changed over the past few years with the introduction of Proposition 47, which reduced the severity of non-violent drug offenses. As such, many possession offenses are charged as misdemeanor offenses, though they still carry up to one year in jail and up to $1,000 in fines. However, the possession of some substances, like heroin or cocaine, can result in a felony offense.

Additionally, the state can elevate your charges to a felony if aggravating factors are present in your case. For example, if you have prior drug possession convictions, the presence of weapons, involvement in organized crime, and evidence tampering can all impact the severity of the charges you face.

As you can see, navigating the legal system when facing a drug possession offense in California can be incredibly difficult. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney with O’Connor Law APC to help guide you through these challenging times. Our firm understands how overwhelming these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything possible to help you fight for the best outcome. Contact us today to learn more.