Fresno Drug Crime Offense and Charge

Drug violation in Fresno is a complex area of law.  The severity of any Fresno drug charge is based on a seemingly endless combination of factors, including the type of substance, the quantity, what the party intends to do with the drugs, and whether minors were involved.

• Possession:  A Fresno drug possession charge can range from a minor misdemeanor to a serious felony, based on many factors.  Where possessing a small amount of marijuana is considered to be a misdemeanor based on the substance and the amount, being found with a small amount of cocaine is a felony drug possession charge in Fresno because of the substance alone.  Similarly, possessing a large amount of marijuana could be charged as a felony, because it is less likely for personal use and more likely to be sold.  Drug possession in Fresno includes possession of drug paraphernalia.
• Manufacturing:  Fresno drug manufacturing generally refers to operating a facility that creates illegal substances, such as methamphetamines.  The prevalence of this practice is the reason that over-the-counter nasal decongestants containing pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in methamphetamines, are now sold behind pharmacy counters and require identification.  Similarly, growing illegal substances, such as marijuana, may be considered as grounds for a Fresno drug manufacturing charge, particularly if quantities are large enough to indicate intended distribution.
• Trafficking/distribution:  In Fresno, a drug trafficking charge pertains to sale and distribution of illegal substances.  When Fresno drug distribution or trafficking is prosecuted at the local or state level penalties can be severe.  Anyone convicted of a Fresno drug distribution charge is likely to see fines, jail time, and possibly inclusion on the drug offender list.  A federal conviction in a Fresno drug trafficking case also leads to similarly severe penalties, but it can also include forfeiture of real estate and other personal property.
• Driving under the influence (DUI):  Any type of DUI is considered to be a serious offense, but this type of drug offense in Fresno can potentially be treated even more severely than similar charges for alcohol.

Just as charges for Fresno drug violation can vary widely, defense against any Fresno drug offense can also differ due to the circumstances behind the offense.  One typical example would be when a driver taking legally-prescribed medication experiences a reaction to the medication that would not be considered normal.  

Whatever the situation, the key to the best defense is to retain an attorney with experience and skill in this complicated area of the law.  For an experienced and committed Fresno drug crime defense attorney, contact the Law Office of Rick Berman & Eric Schweitzer today for a free consultation.