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Fighting a Drug Possession Charge in Ventura

You're facing a charge of drug possession in Ventura County. Maybe the police even found evidence of drug use in your home-paraphernalia related to drug use, or even the drug itself. They're telling you there's no way out, that you should just plead guilty now and save everyone time.

What they're not telling you is that you might not face a single day of jail time with the help of a lawyer.

As experienced Ventura criminal defense attorneys, we know that proof of possession does not guarantee a conviction. The charges against you may be dismissed if evidence was illegally obtained or there is a reasonable doubt that the drugs belonged to you.

Learn how to get help in your Ventura criminal case:

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How to Hire a Lawyer in Santa Barbara County

Here are some of the most common types of drugs found in California offenders' person, homes, and property:

• Marijuana
• Cocaine
• Heroin
• Crack Cocaine
• Methamphetamines
• Ecstasy
• LSD
• Heroin
• Prescription drugs used without a prescription

Penalties for possession of any one of these can be severe. At best, a defendant faces a stiff fine-but depending on the aspects of the case, he or she may be facing a prison sentence, vehicle repossession, and being registered as a narcotics offender.

A few things that can affect your Ventura drug possession case:

• Type. Drugs such as marijuana are often charged as misdemeanors, but harder and more addictive drugs such as crack cocaine and heroin have much higher penalties.

• Quantity. The amount of drugs in question could make a huge difference in your case. For small amounts, you may face a "simple" possession charge, but large amounts signal to judges that you had intent to sell and distribute, thus larger amounts typically carry serious penalties.

• Intent. The outcome of your case may depend on whether you were carrying drugs for personal use or if you intended to sell them.

• Location. State laws prohibit drug sales on school grounds, religious property, or within 1000 feet of a daycare. Any of these infractions could add another 1-3 years to your sentencing.

• History. The penalty for possession is increased if you have been arrested under the charge before, or if you have been charged with possession and are now charged with illegal sales.

To learn more about how Bamieh & Erickson can help your criminal defense, call us today for a free consultation at (805) 643-5555.

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