Santa Barbara Drug Crimes Attorney

Serious Consequences of a Drug Distribution Conviction

In the state of California, drug distribution charges broadly cover the sale or transportation of controlled substances and illegal drugs. Depending on the circumstances of your offense, distribution is a federal crime and a felony offense that carries with it very serious consequences that can have a decidedly negative impact on your life. Factors such as the amount and type of drugs connected to your offense, and other circumstances such as the existence of a previous felony conviction, the employment of a minor, and the location of your distribution operation all have a strong bearing on the potential penalties you may receive.

A drug distribution conviction will usually result in a felony conviction and three to five years behind bars. If you crossed state or multiple county lines during the transport or distribution of the drugs in question, you could face an increased sentence. Involving, hiring, or employing a minor to assist in the sale, transportation, or transfer of illegal drugs will also result in an enhanced sentence that could put you behind bars for up to nine years. If your crime took place within 1,000 feet of any school or playground, your sentence will be increased as well. A Santa Barbara criminal defense attorney from our firm will be able to protect your rights and work towards minimizing any potential consequences of a conviction.

Drug Crimes Lawyer Defending Clients in Santa Barbara

At Lessem & Newstat, our attorneys have a strong understanding of the state and federal drug distribution laws. We know that in some cases, law enforcement officers charge innocent individuals with distribution or possession with intent to sell, when in fact, the drugs were intended solely for personal use. We believe very strongly in the Constitutional principle that any individual accused of a crime is entire innocent until proven otherwise. As such, just because you were caught in possession of a large quantity of drugs does not automatically mean that those drugs were intended for distribution and not personal use. Law enforcement has to follow strict guidelines when searching and seizing drug related evidence. We will investigate any police activity related to your crime to ensure that you were treated fairly within legal guidelines.

Contact a Santa Barbara drug crimes attorney if your have been charged with the distribution, sale, or transportation of illegal drugs.