Narcotics Crime Lawyer Assisting Residents of Riverside County and San Bernardino

California and federal laws are tough on drug crimes. While a felony conviction for an offense like drug trafficking or drug manufacturing may result in incarceration, hefty fines, and other negative consequences, it often may be possible to ask for a reduction or dismissal of the charges brought by the State in many cases. Retaining a drug crime lawyer is an important step to take in seeking to minimize or avoid the consequences to the extent possible. Experienced San Bernardino and Riverside County drug trafficking attorney Gregory H. Comings is committed to helping people accused of drug crimes in Southern California. He provides aggressive representation as well as a candid analysis of the options available in a client’s circumstances.

Pursuing the Dismissal or Reduction of California Drug Trafficking Charges

Attorney Comings uses his knowledge of California's criminal justice system, combined with his passion for protecting the rights of defendants, to navigate clients through cases involving trafficking, distribution, selling, transportation, or illegal importation of controlled substances like cocaine, heroin, or methamphetamines. Both state and federal drug laws are particularly harsh when it comes to the trafficking or transportation of large quantities of drugs, and police may make assumptions – that are frequently unfounded – about whether a defendant possessed drugs for personal use or for resale.

If a defendant is able to show that they intended the controlled substances found in their possession for personal use rather than for sale to others, it may be possible to defeat a trafficking charge. In this situation, the defendant may be found guilty of the lesser offense of possession, and the amount found may be considered in determining the defendant’s punishment under state or federal sentencing guidelines. Certain factors, such as the distribution of drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or playground, may also affect the defendant’s sentence through enhancement provisions. Gregory H. Comings, as an experienced drug trafficking lawyer, can help Riverside County and San Bernardino residents develop a strategy tailored to their situation.

The State has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in criminal cases, although the defendant may need to meet an initial burden of proof with regard to an affirmative defense, such as entrapment by coercive tactics of law enforcement. The Constitution also offers people accused of crimes certain protections, including the right to be free from unreasonable searches and seizures, the right to remain silent, and the right to the effective assistance of counsel. A violation of any of these or other rights may result in illegally obtained evidence being excluded at trial, which may help the defendant obtain an acquittal or a conviction on a lesser charge. This may greatly reduce any jail time or fines that they face.

Seek Assistance from a Drug Trafficking Attorney in Riverside County or San Bernardino

A conviction of a felony drug offense may have lifelong implications, but not every arrest needs to result in a conviction. If you are facing a drug trafficking charge, you should talk to a skillful San Bernardino and Riverside County drug trafficking lawyer as soon as possible. To learn more about possible strategies in your case, call Law Office of Gregory H. Comings, APC or contact us online to set up an appointment. In addition to providing assistance in the full range of drug crime cases, attorney Gregory H. Comings also represents people who need a domestic violence lawyer or assistance in fighting charges of sex crimes or white collar crimes.