Areas of Practice
Los Angeles Criminal Defense - Drug Charges
Cases involving drugs give rise to many issues and many possible defenses, and you need a criminal lawyer who can guide you through the complex system and achieve the best possible end-result. At the Law Offices of Jeffery Rubenstein, we are experienced in obtaining alternative sentencing. This means that we have what it takes to get you a lesser sentence, probation, or enrolled in a drug program rather than your having to do hard jail time. Our team has successfully handled cases ranging from misdemeanor drug possession to more serious felony drug possession and sales.
For years, California has led the Nation in arrests for simple possession of a controlled substance. According to the California Department of Corrections, about 20,000 of the state's 160,000 prisoners are incarcerated for drug offenses. A drug offense refers to the possession, use, sale or furnishing of any illegal or even legal drug or intoxicating substance that is prohibited by law. Today, most drug offenses in the State of California are felonies. It is a misdemeanor to possess even an ounce of marijuana (11357 (b) of the Health & Safety Code). If convicted of a misdemeanor you could be sentenced up to a year in the county jail.
The penalties for drug offenses can be quite severe. The charges are based upon quantity, intent to sell or distribute, and various other factors, such as evidence of sales activity (i.e., large amounts of money, packaging, etc.), and whether or not weapons are in the individual's possession. The seriousness and ultimate punishment for drug offenses generally is dependent on the classification of the drug, the quantity of the drug, and what is deemed as the intended purpose of the possession (i.e., for personal use or for sale).
When you are charged with a drug offense, it is important that you get an experienced criminal lawyer on your side. At the Law Offices of Jeffery Rubenstein, we have a team of specialists to investigate your case. Investigation is a very crucial part of preparing a defense in a criminal drug case. A skilled investigator can often obtain information that otherwise might not be found and that could result in winning the case or obtaining a more favorable plea bargain. As a former Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney, Mr. Rubenstein is equipped with the experience of knowing what prosecutors will and will not do.