DUI vs DWI laws vary by state—learn the key differences, penalties, and why choosing the right defense matters for your case.
California Drug Defense Attorney KAREEM A. RAMADAN has the depth of legal talent you need to win your case.
kramadanlaw@gmail.com
1026 W. Foothill Blvd, Suite 101 Upland, CA 91786
(888)-506-6519
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.
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:
Examine whether law enforcement violated your constitutional rights
Investigate weaknesses in the prosecution’s case
Challenge questionable evidence and laboratory results
Negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges or alternative sentencing
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.
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:
Schedule I: High potential for abuse, no accepted medical use (heroin, LSD, ecstasy, peyote)
Schedule II: High potential for abuse, limited medical use (methamphetamine, cocaine, OxyContin, Adderall)
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.
1. Possession
The most common drug-related charge in California. Possession can be:
Actual possession: Drugs are found on your person (in your pocket, bag, etc.)
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:
The type and quantity of drugs
Whether the offense crossed state or national borders
Your role in the operation
Any prior criminal record
Federal trafficking charges often carry mandatory minimum sentences of 5, 10, or even 20 years.
Penalties vary greatly depending on the specific offense, but here are general guidelines:
Simple Possession: Up to 1 year in jail, fines up to $1,000 (misdemeanor)
Possession with Intent to Sell: 2–4 years in state prison, fines up to $10,000
Manufacturing / Trafficking: Several years to life in prison, plus massive fines
Federal Offenses: Mandatory minimum sentences, often much longer prison terms
Certain factors can enhance penalties, such as:
Involvement of minors
Large-scale operations
Use of weapons
Prior convictions
A strong defense depends on the details of your case, but common strategies include:
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.
If prosecutors can’t prove you knew about the drugs or had control over them, the charges may not hold up.
Evidence that is mishandled, improperly tested, or stored incorrectly can be challenged in court.
If you were induced or coerced by law enforcement into committing a crime you otherwise wouldn’t have committed, entrapment could be a defense.
In some cases, working with prosecutors can lead to reduced charges, entry into diversion programs, or probation instead of prison.
Proven Track Record: Over a decade of winning dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges in drug cases
Aggressive Defense: We challenge every piece of evidence
Personalized Strategies: We build a defense tailored to your circumstances
Trial-Ready Representation: Prepared to fight in court when necessary
We believe every client deserves a vigorous defense, regardless of the allegations against them.
If you are arrested or learn you are under investigation:
Do not speak to police without an attorney present.
Contact a drug charges lawyer immediately.
Preserve all evidence and witness contact information.
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.
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.
📞 Free Consultation – Call Now
Let us put our experience to work for you and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
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.
Honorable And Determined Criminal Defense Attorney To Protect Your Future.
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
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.
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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 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!
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 would be. Kareem answered all my questions I had and his team is very very responsive and reliable. I had a court date a week after my release and he had no problem with how soon it was. When he first called me the first thing he asked was "how are you doing?" It made me very comfortable and I felt no judgments whatsoever from him from my mistake I had committed. His positivity was a big relief to me and I can't thank him enough, truly! As of now, everything is taken care of and Kareem and his team truly saved me so I can be the amazing person I am with lessons learned. Thank you Kareem again!
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 for my devastating 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. The relief of putting that unfortunate circumstance behind me, still feels unreal and I am beyond grateful to Kareem!
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 never been through the legal process or ever thought I'd be dealing with a potential lawsuit, and my anxiety and emotions were incredibly high.
He took the time to listen to the events that happened, reviewed my evidence, and educated me about the law process. Him and his team moved swiftly and began speaking to detectives and submitting my evidence on my behalf.
My case was eventually rejected and I owe it all to him and his team, their speediness, and effort they put forward on my behalf.
He was always available and understanding, I couldn't be more happy with them and would refer them to any friend or family member.
If you are in need of a lawyer, or think you may need one, give him a call right away!
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 this expense. Kareem, after my first phone call was able to go down to the Jail to put eyes on my son to make sure that he was OK. After paying a hefty bail 10k now I regret that I didn't listen to Kareem, and let my son sit there to make sure his lesson would be learned. This was for parents worst nightmare, and I never saw it coming . My young adult son was facing heavy criminal charges of 5 years.
Kareem worked with my family and I, thanks to Kareem he was able to get my son plea deal summarized probation/work release program. my health isn't the best. This is a very stressful time for my family and I don't know what I would have done if he was convicted and sent to serve hard time that was the unimaginable for me. My son is only 20yrs old. I am truly thankful for Kareem for his help and expertise, helping me through this very difficult time. Kareem put my son best interest first. I would recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in need of a attorney he'll help fight for you.
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 able to get it dismissed with ease. He reached out any time there was an advancement in the dismissal of my case and he would answer any questions I had regarding it. He puts his customers first and for that, I could not be any more thankful that he was my lawyer for my case. He is honest, reliable, and thorough. I am so happy I had him for my case and now I can finally move forward in life without anything holding me back.
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 was permitted to possess the company vehicle by his supervisor. It couldn't have happened at the worst time. My family was in the transition of moving out of state. My son was en route to return the vehicle when he was notified that there was a problem with him having possession of the vehicle when he was arrested by law enforcement. Thank God I was able to find Attorney Ramadan. He immediately went to work on my son's case. Mr. Ramadan assured my family that everything was going to be alright and he would get all involved to understand the truth. He hired an excellent investigator to collect the facts, compiled the evidence, and presented it to the courts. Mr. Ramadan and his staff presented a professional and concise illustration of the facts concerning the auto theft case. My son's case was fortunately dismissed and my family was able to move out of state as planned. Thank you, Attorney Ramadan, for the compassion, and the care you showed my family and son, I will always be grateful to you.