Charged With A Drug Crime, Possession Or Trafficking In San Diego? The Right Attorney Is Crucial.
Under the influence and possession of drug charges in San Diego area, courts are serious business and come with serious consequences. These cases also have many unintended consequences. The law treats persons who may need help as criminals. If you or a loved one has been arrested for a drug offense, it is important to find the criminal defense attorney who understands the system and takes the time to determine the best strategies for each client. I, attorney Mark Deniz, have helped many clients resolve their drug charges in the San Diego courts. I take the time to evaluate the best approaches for each client, and work toward options that may resolve under the influence or possession of drug charges without a conviction, including PC 1000, Drug Court and Proposition 36, to name a few.
California just enacted Proposition 47 (Prop 47), which has changed the landscape of drug cases. It is imperative you speak to an attorney to find out if your case may fall into Prop 47. San Diego Prop 47 cases will be discussed below in detail.
You owe it to yourself to find legal representation from the attorney who understands the local San Diego court system. Call The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC now to find out what strategies may be available to you. Call 858-429-9982 now or click on the “Email us” icon above.
San Diego Drug Charges
I, Mark Deniz, help clients determine the best approaches with their specific drug charges, including:
- Drug sales/trafficking
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Possession with intent to sell
Being charged with a drug crime is always a serious situation, and it makes sense to seek legal representation from an experienced attorney who has the knowledge necessary to defend you against these charges, with a significant background helping persons charged with these charges.
I, San Diego criminal law attorney Mark Deniz, spent many years working in prosecuting agencies, and my unique legal perspective helps me plan effective defenses for drug charges.
There are substantial consequences for any drug conviction. People convicted of drug crimes suffer severe results, and the risk of conviction increases if you do not have appropriate legal representation. Don’t take a chance on your future. Call me, San Diego drug lawyer Mark Deniz.
Drug Crime Penalties In California
Depending on the specific circumstances surrounding your drug charge, there are many serious penalties that can result from a conviction. Prison sentences, large court fines and probation are all possible outcomes to a conviction. A drug-related conviction on your criminal record can cause you many problems in the future, especially when seeking employment, and could put a halt to your career aspirations.
I, Mark Deniz, have helped many clients avoid substantial jail time by enrolling them in a drug diversion course or drug rehab program. California Proposition 36 gives first-time drug offenders the chance to undergo drug rehabilitation as an alternative to jail. So, don’t assume you will have to serve a jail sentence. You owe it to yourself to determine your best options!
Call The Law Offices of Mark Deniz APLC for a free evaluation right away at 858-429-9982.
Details Of Prop 47 Cases And Drug Charges
On November 4, 2014, ballot proposition 47 was passed. This initiative reduces many “nonserious and nonviolent property and drug crimes” to a misdemeanor rather than a felony. However, if the person charged with the crime has been previously convicted of murder, rape, or specific sex or gun crimes, the crime will not be reduced to a misdemeanor.
Felony crimes not only come with higher punishment but also a stigma that makes it difficult to obtain jobs or even places to live. This proposition will help make the punishment fit the crime. Specifically, the proposition will lower: (1) shoplifting, grand theft or receiving stolen property when the value stolen doesn’t surpass $950; (2) forgery or fraud where the value of the check, draft, order, bond or bill doesn’t surpass $950; (3) writing a bad check if the value doesn’t surpass $950; and (4) the person’s use of many illicit drugs.
The proposition also allows for anyone currently serving a prison sentence for the above crimes to be resentenced. However, it mandates a “thorough review” prior to resentencing to safeguard the public from any potential risk the inmate may have.
What Does This Mean For Me?
If you are currently in prison for a crime on the above list, this means you have a chance to be resentenced. If you are not in prison but have been or end up being charged with one of the above crimes, this means as long as you meet the specific criteria (not having past specific crimes listed above), then you will be charged with a misdemeanor rather than a felony.
The crimes that are covered by the new law are as follows:
- Penal Code 459, Commercial Burglary (during business hours and less than $950)
- Penal Code 470, Forgery (less than $950)
- Penal code 476(a), NSF Checks (less than $950)
- Penal Code 487, Grand Theft (less than $950)
- Penal Code 496(a), Possession of Stolen Property (less than $950)
- Penal Code 666/484(a), Petty Theft with Prior Convictions (less than $950)
- Health & Safety Code 11350(a), Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Health & Safety Code 11357(a), Possession of Concentrated Cannabis
- Health & Safety Code 11377(a), Possession of Methamphetamine
*** There are exceptions to the law. People with a prior conviction for the offenses listed in Penal Code 667(e)(2)(C) or those who were convicted of an offense requiring registration pursuant to Penal 290(c) are not eligible under this law.
If there is a change in the crime rate that can be pointed to Prop 47, there will no doubt be another Prop to amend the law. In the meantime, there is a lot of adjustments by both defense, prosecution and the judges.