Kareem Law APC

California Drug Defense Attorney

CALIFORNIA DRUG CHARGES DEFENSE ATTORNEY

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California Drug Defense Attorney KAREEM A. RAMADAN has the depth of legal talent you need to win your case.

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kramadanlaw@gmail.com

1026 W. Foothill Blvd, Suite 101 Upland, CA 91786

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(888)-506-6519

California Drug Charges Lawyer – Defending Your Freedom

Representation of a Drug Defense Attorney for Criminal Defense in Riverside
Skilled Drug Defense Lawyer providing legal expertise in California
Highly regarded Drug Defense Attorney providing exceptional legal representation in California

Being charged with a drug crime in California can be one of the most stressful and life-changing experiences you will ever face. A conviction could result in prison time, massive fines, loss of employment opportunities, immigration consequences, and permanent damage to your reputation.

Whether your case involves simple possession or large-scale trafficking, you need a drug charges lawyer who knows how to fight for your rights at every stage of the legal process.

At Kareem Law APC, we’ve spent over a decade defending clients against the full range of drug-related charges. Our lead attorney, Kareem A. Ramadan, understands how police and prosecutors build their cases — and we know how to dismantle them.

Why You Need a Skilled Drug Charge Defense Attorney

Drug crimes are taken seriously at both the state and federal level. Federal prosecutors in particular pursue aggressive sentences for trafficking, distribution, and cases involving large quantities of controlled substances.

A qualified drug charge defence attorney will:

  1. Examine whether law enforcement violated your constitutional rights

  2. Investigate weaknesses in the prosecution’s case

  3. Challenge questionable evidence and laboratory results

  4. Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing

  5. Take your case to trial when necessary

Our firm is committed to securing the best possible outcome for every client — whether that means a dismissal, acquittal, or reduced penalties.

Understanding California Drug Laws

California’s drug laws cover a wide range of activities involving controlled substances. Controlled substances are classified according to their potential for abuse, medical use, and risk of dependence.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) divides drugs into five schedules:

  1. Schedule I: High potential for abuse, no accepted medical use (heroin, LSD, ecstasy, peyote)

  2. Schedule II: High potential for abuse, limited medical use (methamphetamine, cocaine, OxyContin, Adderall)

  3. Schedule III-V: Lower abuse risk, accepted medical uses (certain prescription medications, anabolic steroids)

The type of drug, its quantity, and the circumstances of your arrest all affect how your case will be charged and the penalties you may face.

Common Types of Drug Crimes We Defend

DRUG CRIME PENALTIES

1. Possession  

The most common drug-related charge in California. Possession can be:

  1. Actual possession: Drugs are found on your person (in your pocket, bag, etc.)

  2. Constructive possession: Drugs are found in a location you control (car, home) and prosecutors claim you knew about them.

Even small amounts can result in criminal charges. Penalties increase if the drugs are packaged or stored in a way that suggests sales.

2. Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver  

Prosecutors may charge this offense if there is evidence suggesting you intended to distribute drugs — such as large quantities, scales, baggies, or large sums of cash. This carries harsher penalties than simple possession.

3. Manufacturing or Cultivating  

This includes producing illegal drugs like methamphetamine, cocaine, or ecstasy, or cultivating marijuana in violation of California law. Manufacturing charges are extremely serious and often prosecuted at the federal level.

4. Drug Trafficking  

Trafficking involves the transportation, distribution, or sale of large amounts of controlled substances. Penalties depend on:

  1. The type and quantity of drugs

  2. Whether the offense crossed state or national borders

  3. Your role in the operation

  4. Any prior criminal record

Federal trafficking charges often carry mandatory minimum sentences of 5, 10, or even 20 years.

Drug Crime Penalties in California

Penalties vary greatly depending on the specific offense, but here are general guidelines:

  1. Simple Possession: Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $1,000 (misdemeanor)

  2. Possession with Intent to Sell: 2–4 years in state prison, fines up to $10,000

  3. Manufacturing / Trafficking: Several years to life in prison, plus massive fines

  4. Federal Offenses: Mandatory minimum sentences, often much longer prison terms

Certain factors can enhance penalties, such as:

  1. Involvement of minors

  2. Large-scale operations

  3. Use of weapons

  4. Prior convictions

Defenses to Drug Charges

A strong defense depends on the details of your case, but common strategies include:

1. Illegal Search and Seizure

If law enforcement violated your Fourth Amendment rights, any evidence obtained may be thrown out. This can lead to charges being reduced or dismissed entirely.

2. Lack of Possession or Knowledge

If prosecutors can’t prove you knew about the drugs or had control over them, the charges may not hold up.

3. Chain of Custody Issues

Evidence that is mishandled, improperly tested, or stored incorrectly can be challenged in court.

4. Entrapment

If you were induced or coerced by law enforcement into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have committed, entrapment could be a defense.

5. Negotiated Resolutions

In some cases, working with prosecutors can lead to reduced charges, entry into diversion programs, or probation instead of prison.

Why Clients Choose Kareem Law APC

  1. Proven Track Record: Over a decade of winning dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges in drug cases

  2. Aggressive Defense: We challenge every piece of evidence

  3. Personalized Strategies: We build a defense tailored to your circumstances

  4. Trial-Ready Representation: Prepared to fight in court when necessary

We believe every client deserves a vigorous defense, regardless of the allegations against them.

What to Do If You’re Facing Drug Charges

If you are arrested or learn you are under investigation:

  1. Do not speak to police without an attorney present.

  2. Contact a drug charges lawyer immediately.

  3. Preserve all evidence and witness contact information.

  4. Follow your lawyer’s advice throughout the process.

The sooner we begin working on your case, the more options we have to protect your future.

Contact a California Drug Charge Defense Attorney Today

If you’ve been charged with possession, distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking, time is critical. Call Kareem A. Ramadan and the team at Kareem Law APC for immediate help.

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Let us put our experience to work for you and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Arrested for a drug crime? For the sake of your freedom and your future, do not delay.
Call (888)-506-6519
Drug Defense Attorney now.

Drug Crime Penalties

In California, sentences and punishments for drug crimes are diverse. A simple possession charge, for instance, may carry a sentence of more than one year in prison. Distribution and trafficking charges carry potential prison terms of 60 years or more, in addition to hefty fines and other fees.

 Federal prosecutors do not charge drug crimes unless there is evidence of drug trafficking, distribution, violence associated with drug sales, or drug-related deaths. Mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines have been enacted to punish high-level drug trafficking operations. The penalties are typically more severe if the California drug defense Attorney accepts your case.

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Questions To Ask When Choosing Your Criminal Defense Attorney

In general, first-time misdemeanor drug possession charges are punishable by one year in jail and up to a $1,000 fine. The time you spend in jail for possession of drugs in California depends on several factors, including If you are charged with “simple possession.”

If you’ve been convicted of a felony in California, that will remain on your criminal record indefinitely. That is, unless, you file a petition to have your conviction expunged. Certain felonies in California can be expunged – or removed – from your record

If you face a misdemeanor, the maximum punishment is 12 months in jail. For possession of marijuana, the offense is punishable by up to six months of jail time. Juvenile drug possession California charges could only be for an infraction.

Make Sure You Hire a Reliable Criminal Defense Attorney

When you are facing criminal charges, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney you can trust. Kareem has been practicing criminal law for more than a decade and is one of the most trusted and highly rated attorneys. Whether you need help with a domestic violence case, felony and misdemeanor cases, theft crimes, or any other criminal charges, call Kareem Law APC for excellent legal representation. Kareem is a compassionate criminal lawyer who will protect your rights, guide you through every step of the process, provide you with the legal counsel you deserve, and fight hard to obtain optimal results. Call today at (888)-506-6519 or use our online contact form to schedule contact with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Riverside.

OUR BLOGS

REAL STORIES FROM REAL PEOPLE

Read Reviews from Our Former Clients
W Mi
04:20 15 Sep 22
I was faced with a case that never in my life I’d imagine to be dealing with that could’ve had detrimental effects on my life and career ending. Kareem was the best defense I had to get my life back together. From start to finish Kareem was very attentive, informative and determined to help get this fixed and he did! The case was never filed! Thank you!
Josh kapp
17:09 10 Aug 22
I was arrested and was facing 2 felonies in October and spent some time sitting in county jail. After calling tens of lawyers to help I immediately knew Kareem would provide the help I was looking for. He walked me through the entire court process and was very reassuring that I had nothing to worry about. It is a great feeling when you have a confident lawyer behind you. Kareem managed to get my case dismissed and I have no charges on my record now. I don’t think I would have this result if it weren’t for his help. I would recommend him to anyone. He knows what he’s doing and he is the man for the job.
Ali Lodin
23:09 23 Jun 22
Before hiring Kareem Law I made the mistake of listening to some ads for personal injury attorneys on the radio. I did not know what to expect since this was my first time needing to hire an attorney. The first office never returned my calls and never connected me with an attorney. I thought attorneys wanted to help their clients not treat them like dirt. I found Kareem's office after a family member told me of an attorney who did excellent work on his personal injury case.
From the first call with Kareem he created a strong relationship with me where I felt appreciated and heard. Mr. Ramadan was always available when I needed answers and did a fabulous job settling my case.
Anna Drachuk
19:36 13 Apr 22
I was very fortunate to have had Kareem as my attorney. From our very first conversation, I could tell he was very knowledgeable and experienced. His empathy and care for my situation, were encouraging and made me feel safe. Kareem was very personable, reachable, and communicated clearly. Kareem put a lot of effort to get the case dismissed and achieve a complete resolution without the additional stress of a trial. I am beyond grateful to him!
Lynette Lansangan
17:20 25 Mar 22
Never in my life, did I think I would need a criminal defense attorney. A close family member committed a federal crime and suddenly I was searching for a criminal defense attorney. I submitted an inquiry to all lawyers in the Upland area and I am so thankful that Attorney Kareem was quick to reply on a Sunday afternoon!

The next day, he was already doing a jail visit with my family member. The following day, we were meeting and discussing the case in his office. Right from the beginning,
Kareem expressed his care and compassion for us and my incarcerated family member. He also made us feel very comfortable telling us a personal story of his that made him appreciate nurses, which my mom and I are! This life journey of his, made us feel that he knows the value of life and our family member would be in excellent hands.

Kareem was always available to answer all our questions. If you call him or text him, he will always respond right away or within a few hours. This was an extremely difficult time in our lives and Kareem was always there to ease our minds. When trying to find an attorney who is going to save your life or a close family members, you have to fully trust your lawyer and Kareem is that man. He strongly advocated for my family member and got him released from jail with a mental health diversion. This was the goal from the beginning and we could not be more thankful to Attorney Kareem for the outcome.
  •   I would highly recommend Mr. Ramadan to anyone in a similar situation. He was very helpful throughout the entire process, and the final outcome was very favorable.

    thumb Erika D.
    7/03/2023
  •   I was faced with a case that never in my life I'd imagine to be dealing with that could've had detrimental effects on my life and career ending. Kareem was... read more

    thumb WaKas M.
    9/14/2022
  •   Where do I even start with Kareem... I got into some trouble recently and needed some help as I do not know anything about laws and what my next steps... read more

    thumb Cory R.
    2/15/2023
  •   I was very fortunate to have had Kareem as my attorney. From our very first conversation, I could tell he was very knowledgeable and experienced. His empathy and care... read more

    thumb Anna D.
    4/13/2022
  •   I had reached out to Kareem Law APC after finding out I was being wrongfully accused of an incident, and he immediately called me back late at night. I have... read more

    thumb Andy K.
    1/31/2023
  •   I needed a lawyer for my son that got himself into trouble. This was the best decision that I made, even though I did not have the extra money for... read more

    thumb Cherie S.
    4/15/2023
  •   Mr. Ramadan is an amazing lawyer. I had a case that I wanted to get off of my record from a mistake I made in my youth and he was... read more

    thumb Melissa S.
    5/17/2022
  •   I contacted Mr. Ramadan about my son who has an Intellectual disability, he had been arrested in LA county for auto theft placed against him by his employer. My son... read more

    thumb Maurice C.
    11/15/2022

KAREEM LAW APC – CRIMINAL DEFENSE LAWYER

Attorney Kareem uses his training and experience as a former prosecutor to defend clients throughout Los Angeles and San Bernardino. If you are arrested or charged with a criminal offense, you need someone with experience to defend and protect your rights. Call Kareem.
Kareem A. Ramdan and Malalai Farooqi, experienced criminal defense attorneys in Riverside, collaborating on a case.