Do I Need Criminal Defense Attorneys for My Criminal Charges?
Although California legalized recreational marijuana, the drug remains a Schedule I narcotic. Having it in the first place is still considered a criminal offense and is punishable by law. Even a fully licensed marijuana dispensary can be at risk of ambush by the police or the DEA.
With this in mind, cannabis charges can be imposed on just about anyone involved with the drug, but it’s even more common in Van Nuys, given the Van Nuys crime rate. Therefore, if you face charges, it would help if you had an experienced criminal defense lawyer to represent you.
Below are various reasons you should hire a marijuana criminal defense lawyer here in Van Nuys, CA.
Help You Understand Your Rights and Federal or State Laws
Most people have little knowledge of their rights and the State’s laws related to marijuana. Whether you are in the business of marijuana or just caught in possession of the substance, a marijuana criminal defense attorney will use their extensive understanding of the law to secure a favorable outcome, mitigating the impacts of a Van Nuys criminal conviction on your personal and professional life.
If you own a marijuana business, a California criminal law firm with experienced criminal defense attorneys will ensure that you understand the laws about the marijuana business.
Guides You Through All Legal Processes
Since your legal representation is familiar with both federal and State laws concerning marijuana, they will guide you through all legal processes that only apply to you or the category of your marijuana business, giving legal advice where applicable.
How to Get the Best Criminal Defense Attorney
Looking for the best criminal defense attorney for your case is a vital step after a marijuana arrest. Some qualities you should look for when vetting marijuana criminal defense attorneys are listed below.
Good Negotiation Skills
You want a lawyer to help you negotiate and beat your marijuana offenses, so you should choose a Van Nuys criminal attorney with solid negotiation skills. You can identify this by figuring out whether your drug lawyers are keenly listening to what you are telling them or not.
Aggressiveness
Being aggressive does not necessarily mean being loud or pushy; it means standing up to prosecutors’ threats and being prepared. These prosecutors have the power of the State guarding them as long as they act within the law, so it would be best if you had an aggressive lawyer to beat these odds with the prosecutors.
Experience
You do not want to choose a marijuana criminal defense lawyer with no experience. You want to settle for someone who has an extensive background in defense of marijuana offenses and the capacity to handle the prosecutors’ threats — one who has the know-how and can predict what may happen next due to their experience in the area.
Commitment
You must choose a skilled defense lawyer fully committed to your criminal case. You do not want an attorney who prioritizes other things over your case or is not ready to put much effort into your case. Find an attorney who will be fully available during trials and maintains a relatively low caseload.
What to Expect From a Weed Lawsuit When Facing Possession of Marijuana Charges
If you are in Van Nuys, CA, and you were arrested for being in possession of marijuana, here are some of the criminal charges that you are bound to face.
Any amount of marijuana for first offenses is a misdemeanor crime punishable by one-year imprisonment and a fine of $1000. If you get arrested with any amount of marijuana for the second time, it is a misdemeanor charge punishable by two years in prison and a fine of $2500. A third offense for any amount is punishable by three years in jail and a fine of $5000.
Marijuana business owners face different charges. For business owners arrested for possessing less than 50kgs of marijuana, the offense is punishable by five years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. Drug possession between 50 to 99 kg of marijuana is punishable by 20 years in prison or a $1,000,000 fine.
Marijuana amounting from 100 to 999 kgs, is a felony punishable by 5-40 years in prison and a fine of $500,000. Lastly, when caught with more than 999 kgs, one can be imprisoned between 10 years to life or a fine of $1,000,000.
Experienced Marijuana Defense Lawyer
Now, you must be wondering where to find the best criminal law firm to help you face your charges. Look no further, as at the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we believe in what we do. When you turn to our Van Nuys criminal defense law firm, our legal team will listen to you, examine your criminal case, and develop a defense strategy to get you back on your feet.
No matter what type of marijuana charge you face, we’re ready to provide staunch advocacy for you, built on the foundation of a solid attorney-client relationship. We do not let you face your criminal charges alone, as we understand this can be overwhelming.
Our other practice areas here in Van Nuys, California, include criminal law, white-collar crime, restraining orders, domestic violence, and DUI offenses. Our Van Nuys DUI attorney and probation violation attorneys are dedicated to the defense of all who are charged with or under investigation for a crime.
We are passionate about marijuana cases and other criminal matters and are willing to fight for you. Our marijuana defense lawyers know the ins and outs of these criminal cases. They can provide legal guidance for those facing prosecution for possession, distribution, cultivation, or trafficking of marijuana-related activities.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
If you have been arrested for possessing marijuana, do not face the criminal justice system alone. We all understand how a permanent criminal record can be and the gravity of a felony charge.
At the Law Offices of Christopher Chaney, we are here to provide experienced criminal defense in Van Nuys, California. Our criminal attorneys will offer you the honest advice and passionate legal representation you need to reduce or dismiss your criminal charges.
Contact our criminal defense lawyers today and get a free consultation. Remember that criminal matters are time-sensitive, so don’t wait — call now!
