San Diego Drug Crimes Defense Attorney

Respected California Criminal Defense Lawyer

Drug crimes are serious criminal offenses that can land even first-time offenders in prison. If you have been accused of or arrested for a San Diego drug crime, you must act fast and consult a qualified criminal defense lawyer who can work to protect your rights and help you avoid serving time in prison.

Typically, the use or possession of an illegal drug qualifies as a misdemeanor with a fine and/or a county jail sentence of up to one year. The sale, distribution or transportation of illegal drugs is often charged as a felony with heavier fines and/or a state prison term of at least one year. A severe drug crime, such as trafficking large quantities of heroin, could result in a state prison sentence of up to 25 years and a $500,000 fine. 

Final sentencing for a drug crime conviction will depend upon three main factors:

• Prior convictions (criminal record)
• The amount of drugs found on your person or property, and the type
• What your intentions were with the drug or drugs (for personal use or for distribution)

Additional factors in determining a sentence are:

• Whether another, related crime was committed
• If any minors were involved

Drug Crimes Defense Attorney James N. Dicks

San Diego criminal defense attorney James N. Dicks is a former police officer and narcotics investigator who decided to devote his career to helping to protect the rights of those people accused of drug crimes. Because of his extensive background in narcotics and law enforcement, attorney James Dicks knows what to look for in violations of your constitutional rights and knows how to successfully defend drug charges.

Whether you were accused of a drug crime based on a search and seizure, a police sting operation, or more, you may have experienced an instance of a police officer violating protocol and your rights – and your case may be dismissed or evidence may be inadmissible as a result.

Have you been accused of a San Diego drug crime? Contact our offices today!