Fresno Drug Crimes

The law governing drug crimes in Fresno is extremely complicated.  While some drug crimes are considered to be misdemeanors, such as possession of a small amount of marijuana, many drug crimes are tried as felonies, including (but not limited to) the following:

• Drug trafficking
• Possession of drugs with intent to sell
• Cultivating or manufacturing illegal substances
• Illegal possession of prescription drugs and prescription fraud
• Possession of cocaine or heroin
• Transporting illegal drugs

As state and local authorities try different approaches in fighting the war on drugs, statistics show that while overall California crimes in 2008 fell, marijuana arrests increased dramatically.  The meaning of these statistics, however, is unclear.  It may be a case of the authorities trying to reduce drug use by concentrating on minor marijuana possession since marijuana use can lead to the use of more dangerous illegal drugs.

Determining the seriousness of a Fresno drug crime

The seriousness of a drug crime in Fresno is determined by many factors, including the amount of illegal drugs involved, the type of drug, and the intent behind possession of the drug.  For example, someone manufacturing methamphetamines, trafficking drugs, or possessing even a small amount of cocaine is likely to face harsh charges and punishment.  Someone possessing a small amount of marijuana is not likely to be treated as harshly, and may even be able to enter a drug treatment program in lieu of a more severe penalty.  On the other hand, a person holding a larger amount of marijuana may be assumed to be selling the drug based on no evidence other than the quantity involved.

Fresno drug crime penalties can be severe:

• Fines
• Jail time
• Addition of the offender to a drug offender list

Only a skilled and experienced attorney has the knowledge and understanding of the complex laws and the court system to provide a solid drug crime defense in Fresno.

For an experienced and committed Fresno drug crime defense attorney, contact the Law Office of Rick Berman & Eric Schweitzer today for a free consultation.