San Diego Drug Charge Lawyer

The long-standing "War on Drugs" has been raging throughout the United States for decades, and the result of such a policy is that every state, county and municipality has enacted statutes that levy serious punishment upon a convicted defendant for a plethora of violations. If you face any sort of drug-related charge, you need to act immediately to build a strong defense.

Below is a look at a few examples of drug related charges, but the best way to proceed if this situation sounds at all familiar to you is to contact a San Diego criminal defense lawyer at Kerry Steigerwalt & Associates immediately to schedule a consultation. You do have several guaranteed rights as a defendant, but you need to assert them as soon as possible.

Possession of Drugs Charge

One of the most common drug-related charges in San Diego and anywhere else involves possession of a controlled substance. The penalties for a conviction on these charges can range from a fine to a lengthy prison term, and the actual punishment will depend on a few factors that surround the situation.

For instance, a judge and/or jury will determine, based on evidence presented, how much of a certain controlled substance the defendant was found to have illegally possessed. Another relevant factor that decision makers must evaluate is the type of substance that the defendant possessed.

Drug Trafficking Charge

Another common drug-related charge is one of drug trafficking. Generally speaking, a conviction for trafficking is more severe than a conviction for mere possession, as the defendant in this type of situation generally is found to have possessed a controlled substance or substances in large quantities. Another factor that goes into the sentencing guidelines for trafficking is the public policy that a convicted drug trafficker needs to be punished for his or her responsibility for the presence of controlled substances on the street or on the 'black' market.

Another factor to consider regarding drug trafficking charges is that many times, the federal government will get involved, as any type of 'commerce' that crosses state lines gives rise to federal jurisdiction. Federal criminal trials can be much more devastating to a defendant if he or she is found guilty, as the federal sentencing guidelines are usually more serious than a similar conviction under state law.

What to do Next

If you face any sort of drug-related charge in San Diego, you have to assert your rights immediately. Contact a criminal defense lawyer at Kerry Steigerwalt & Associates immediately to begin the process of building a vigorous defense.