Arrested for a Drug-Related Crime? Here’s What You Need to Know

What Counts as Drug Possession in California?

You can be charged with drug possession in California if you are carrying or have stashed a controlled substance:

• You have the controlled substance on your person (in your purse or pocket), or
• You have stashed the controlled substance somewhere that is under your control (in your house, car, or elsewhere under your control)

For people who have been arrested on a drug-related charge, it’s important to find a good lawyer before the court begins the trial. For information about hiring a lawyer, you can contact drug lawyer san diego.

Avenues of Defense

If charged with drug possession, you have several avenues of defense, which includes, but is not limited to the following reasons:

• You did not actually possess the drugs. Being found near them is not a crime.
• You were not aware of the drugs (you were a passenger in your car, or somebody else left them in your home)
• You have a valid medical prescription for the drugs
• There was an unlawful search that resulted in your arrest
• And much more – consult with your criminal defense attorney

Stages of a Criminal Trial in California

According to California's criminal law, there are ten stages of a criminal trial:

1. Filing motions with the court before the trial starts.
2. Jury selection process.
3. Opening statement.
4. Prosecution's case.
5. Defense's case.
6. Prosecution rebuttal (only if necessary)
7. Closing arguments.
8. Jury deliberation.
9. The verdict
10. And, possible sentencing

How long does a trial take?

The trial length varies depending upon the complexity of the case, including the number of witnesses. Jury trials generally take at least three days to complete, but can last many months. The average length of a drug-related trial is between four to five days.

There are countless drug-related crimes committed every year. Drug crimes, including smuggling, trafficking, transportation, drug manufacturing, and illegal drug possession, are investigated for criminal activity, tried, and, if convicted, punished with jail time and/or a fine.