Criminal Defense Lawyers

Drug Crimes

California’s drug laws are complex and punitive. Some of the harshest penalties meted out by the courts are connected to the possession, manufacture, sale and use of various illegal and controlled substances. If you have been accused of a drug offense in the Los Angeles area, you need a competent and zealous drug crimes attorney representing your interests before the court.

The California drug crimes defense lawyers at this firm have extensive experience with these cases. They understand that mistakes are often made by police and prosecutors, and that these mistakes can be the key to getting the charges against their client reduced or dropped. When you hire the practitioners at this firm, you are also hiring the arsenal of experts that they work with to help defend their clients against drug charges. These experts can include forensic technicians, lab specialists and private investigators. With their assistance it is possible to examine the procedures followed by the police and the District Attorney in minute detail. They can expose problems associated with the evidence or the way it was collected. Perhaps search warrants were not appropriately obtained or executed. Maybe the police didn’t use acceptable interrogation techniques or did not give you an opportunity to contact your attorney when you asked for it. Your Los Angeles drug crimes defense attorney has many ways to approach fighting the charges against you.

Clarifying California Drug Laws

A number of things are taken into consideration when it comes to charging someone with a drug crime in California. Police and prosecutors may look at the amount of the substances involved and whether the drugs were intended for personal use or for sale to others. The prior criminal record of the accused will also be weighed. A record that includes previous drug-related convictions is of particular interest to the District Attorney.

All of these factors may be reviewed when it comes to deciding how to charge a defendant with a Los Angeles drug crime. Based on these factors, the prosecutor will decide whether to pursue misdemeanor or felony charges and will also consider various potential penalties. They will also review the case to see if the defendant may qualify for a sentencing alternative like Drug Court or Deferred Entry of Judgment.

Which Substances Are Covered by California Drug Laws?

California drug laws cover both illegal substances and controlled substances. Illegal drugs may include:

-Cocaine
-Crack cocaine
-Crystal meth
-Ecstasy
-Heroin
-LSD
-Marijuana
-Methamphetamines
-PCP

Christine Twomey

2024-03-21

Just had my Divorce case settled 2 months ago after having a horrible experience with another firm. I couldn’t be happier with Claire Banks and Elizabeth Garvey with their outstanding professionalism in doing so with Spodek Law Group. Any time I needed questions answered they were always prompt in doing so with all my uncertainties after 30 yrs of marriage.I feel from the bottom of my heart you will NOT be disappointed with either one. Thanks a million.

Brendan huisman

2024-03-18

Alex Zhik contacted me almost immediately when I reached out to Spodek for a consultation and was able to effectively communicate the path forward/consequences of my legal issue. I immediately agreed to hire Alex for his services and did not regret my choice. He was able to cover my case in court (with 1 day notice) and not only was he able to push my case down, he carefully negotiated a dismissal of the charge altogether. I highly recommend Spodek, and more specifically, Alex Zhik for all of your legal issues. Thanks guys!

Guerline Menard

2024-03-18

Thanks again Spodek law firm, particularly Esq Claire Banks who stood right there with us up to the finish line. Attached photos taken right outside of the court building and the smile on our faces represented victory, a breath of fresh air and satisfaction. We are very happy that this is over and we can move on with our lives. Thanks Spodek law 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙌🏼❤️

Keisha Parris

2024-03-15

Believe every single review here about Alex Z!! From our initial consultation, it was evident that Alex possessed a profound understanding of criminal law and a fierce dedication to his clients rights. Throughout the entirety of my case, Alex exhibited unparalleled professionalism and unwavering commitment. What sets Alex apart is not only his legal expertise but also his genuine compassion for his clients. He took the time to thoroughly explain my case, alleviating any concerns I had along the way. His exact words were “I’m not worried about it”. His unwavering support and guidance were invaluable throughout the entire process. I am immensely grateful for Alex's exceptional legal representation and wholeheartedly recommend his services to anyone in need of a skilled criminal defense attorney. Alex Z is not just a lawyer; he is a beacon of hope for those navigating the complexities of the legal system. If you find yourself in need of a dedicated and competent legal advocate, look no further than Alex Z.

Taïko Beauty

2024-03-15

I don’t know where to start, I can write a novel about this firm, but one thing I will say is that having my best interest was their main priority since the beginning of my case which was back in Winter 2019. Miss Claire Banks, one of the best Attorneys in the firm represented me very well and was very professional, respectful, and truthful. Not once did she leave me in the dark, in fact she presented all options and routes that could possibly be considered for my case and she reinsured me that no matter what I decided to do, her and the team will have my back and that’s exactly what happened. Not only will I be liberated from this case, also, I will enjoy my freedom and continue to be a mother to my first born son and will have no restrictions with accomplishing my goals in life. Now that’s what I call victory!! I thank the Lord, My mother, Claire, and the Spodek team for standing by me and fighting with me. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have the opportunity to work with this team. I’m very satisfied, very pleased with their performance, their hard work, and their diligence. Thank you team!

Anthony Williams

2024-03-12

Hey, how you guys doing? Good afternoon my name is Anthony Williams I just want to give a great shout out to the team of. Spodek law group. It is such a honor to use them and to use their assistance through this whole case from start to finish. They did everything that they said they was gonna do and if it ever comes down to it, if I ever have to use them again, hands-down they will be the first law office at the top of my list, thank you guys so much. It was a pleasure having you guys by my side so if you guys ever need them, do not hesitate to pick up the phone and give them a call.

Loveth Okpedo

2024-03-12

Very professional, very transparent, over all a great experience

Bee L

2024-02-28

Amazing experience with Spodek! Very professional lawyers who take your case seriously. They treated me with respect, were always available, and answered any and all questions. They were able to help me very successfully and removed a huge stress. Highly recommend.

divesh patel

2024-02-24

I can't recommend Alex Zhik and Spodek Law Firm highly enough for their exceptional legal representation and personal mentorship. From the moment I engaged their services in October 2022, Alex took the time to understand my case thoroughly and provided guidance every step of the way. Alex's dedication to my case went above and beyond my expectations. His expertise, attention to detail, and commitment to achieving the best possible outcome were evident throughout the entire process. He took the time to mentor me, ensuring I understood the legal complexities involved to make informed decisions. Alex is the kind of guy you would want to have a beer with and has made a meaningful impact on me. I also want to acknowledge Todd Spodek, the leader of the firm, who played a crucial role in my case. His leadership and support bolstered the efforts of Alex, and his involvement highlighted the firm's commitment to excellence. Thanks to Alex Zhik and Todd Spodek, I achieved the outcome I desired, and I am incredibly grateful for their professionalism, expertise, and genuine care. If you're in need of legal representation, look no further than this outstanding team.

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The list of controlled substances or prescription drugs includes:

-Hydrocodone
-Oxycontin
-Percocet
-Valium
-Vicodin
-Xanax

Possession or use of any of these substances may result in being charged with a drug crime in California. If you have been charged with using or possessing one of these or any other illegal or controlled substances, then you need to hire a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.

Zealous Prosecutors Should Be Met With an Aggressive Defense

When it comes to prosecuting drug crimes, California leads the nation. Various law enforcement agencies and the District Attorneys view drug crimes as being among the most serious that they pursue. This means that they will continue to press forward with a case even when they have little evidence. The sheer number and variety of the state’s anti-drug laws makes their job somewhat easier.

Some of the most common drug crimes in California are violations of various state Health and Safety Codes. The state has codes regarding the:

-Transportation of a controlled substance
-Transportation for sale of a controlled substance
-Sale of a controlled substance to a minor
-Possession of drug paraphernalia
-Sale of a substance in lieu of a controlled substance
-Possession of a narcotic

This is just a small sampling of California’s many anti-drug laws. Because there are so many drug laws it stands to reason that there is also a broad range of possible penalties.

Possible Penalties for Breaking California’s Drug Laws

A period of incarceration in a county jail or state prison is all but inevitable when a defendant is convicted of drug crimes in Los Angeles. It’s also typical for the defendant to be sentenced to pay substantial fines connected with the investigation and prosecution of their case. Most defendants must serve a term of probation or parole upon being released from custody. Many are ordered to attend mandatory drug counseling, and a significant number of people convicted of drug crimes in Los Angeles are required to register this fact with local law enforcement. Driver’s license revocation is another very real potential consequence.

Hiring an Aggressive Los Angeles Drug Crimes Attorney

Being convicted of a drug crime in California has serious and far-reaching consequences. People who are convicted drug offenders often have to surrender their freedom and any financial security they may possess. Additionally, their ability to make a living in the future may be seriously impaired thanks to a drug conviction. These are just a few of the reasons why it is so important to have a skilled Los Angeles drug crimes attorney working for you.

The California court system takes drug crimes particularly seriously. This means that defendants need to have an equally serious attorney working for them. The Los Angeles drug crimes attorneys at this firm are experienced, dedicated and hard-working. When it comes to drug offenses in California, these attorneys are particularly knowledgeable and skilled. They may be able to get the charges against you reduced or dropped.