Drug Distribution Attorney in Dublin
Protecting Your Future & Freedom When Facing Drug Distribution Charges
When your reputation, career, and personal freedom are at stake, partnering with the right legal team matters. At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, our deep knowledge of California's drug laws, coupled with decades of experience in the Contra Costa and Alameda County courts, positions us to defend your interests with both compassion and strategic skill.
Our role as your drug distribution defense lawyer in Dublin goes beyond representation in the courtroom: we provide clear direction, promptly address your concerns, and guide you through every step of the criminal justice process.
Working with a criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with local courts, law enforcement procedures, and prosecutorial approaches is one of the most important decisions you will make, providing you clarity, reassurance, and peace of mind.
Contact a dedicated drug distribution attorney in Dublin at The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero for a free consultation. Call us now at (925) 259-3337 or schedule a meeting online.
Understanding California's Drug Distribution Laws
In California, drug distribution is a felony offense under the Health and Safety Code. The crime is not limited to large-scale drug trafficking; it can include a variety of actions, such as selling, furnishing, administering, giving away, or even offering to sell a controlled substance.
California law differentiates drug distribution from simple possession based on the element of intent to sell or distribute. The presence of certain factors can cause law enforcement and prosecutors to elevate a possession charge to a distribution charge.
These "indicia of sales" can include:
- The presence of large quantities of a controlled substance.
- The discovery of items like scales, baggies, or other packaging materials.
- A large amount of cash found on your person or in your possession.
- Witness testimony from law enforcement or informants about a sale.
- The presence of a firearm, which is often seen as a tool of the drug trade.
Key Elements the Prosecution Must Prove
For the prosecution to convict you of drug distribution, they must prove the following elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
- You sold, furnished, administered, gave away, or offered to do so. This element is the core of the offense, and we will challenge the State's evidence on this point. Even an offer to sell, which is a key part of the prosecution's case, is subject to scrutiny.
- You had a "usable amount" of a controlled substance. The law requires that the amount be more than a mere trace or residue, but it does not have to be enough to have a psychoactive effect on the user. We can challenge the State's determination of a "usable amount" if the circumstances warrant it.
- You knew of the substance's presence. The prosecution must prove you were aware that you had the substance in your possession or control.
- You knew the substance was a controlled substance. A key element of the crime is your knowledge of the substance's nature. This is an element a skilled drug distribution attorney in Dublin can often use to your advantage.
Our firm will meticulously review all the evidence in your case, from police reports to witness statements, to find weaknesses in the prosecution's ability to prove each of these elements.
The Penalties of a Drug Distribution Conviction in Dublin
A conviction for drug distribution in California carries severe penalties that can have a devastating impact on every aspect of your life. The specific penalties depend on the type of drug, the quantity, and your criminal history.
Direct Penalties:
- State Prison Time: A conviction for drug distribution can result in a state prison sentence of two, three, or four years. This can be extended based on aggravating factors.
- Significant Fines: You can be ordered to pay fines of up to $20,000, in addition to restitution and other court fees.
- Enhanced Sentencing: Factors like distributing a large quantity of drugs, selling to a minor, or distributing near a school can add years to your sentence.
- Felony Record: A drug distribution conviction is a felony, which will result in a permanent criminal record.
Collateral Consequences:
- Employment and Professional Licensing: A felony conviction can make it nearly impossible to find a job or maintain a professional license in fields like healthcare, education, and finance.
- Immigration Issues: For non-citizens, a drug distribution conviction is considered a crime involving moral turpitude and can lead to deportation.
- Loss of Rights: You will lose your right to own or possess a firearm.
- Financial Impact: In addition to fines, the financial strain of a criminal record can be immense, affecting your ability to get loans, secure housing, and live a normal life.
We work relentlessly as your Dublin drug distribution lawyer to help you avoid these severe consequences and to protect your future.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Drug Distribution Defense
At The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero, our defense strategies are aggressive and comprehensive. Our experience on the other side of the courtroom gives us an invaluable perspective that we use to your advantage.
- Challenging the Stop and Search: The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures. We will scrutinize the legality of the initial traffic stop or search warrant to determine if there were any constitutional violations. If we find any, we will fight to have all the evidence suppressed.
- Disputing Intent to Distribute: As your drug distribution attorney in Dublin, we will argue that the evidence the prosecution is using to prove intent is circumstantial and can be explained. For example, we can argue that the cash you had was from a legitimate source, or that the packaging materials were for a legal use.
- Attacking Witness Testimony: We will cross-examine police officers and any witnesses, including informants, to expose inconsistencies in their statements and challenge their credibility.
- Challenging the Chain of Custody: The State must prove that the evidence has been handled properly since the moment it was seized. We will look for any breaks in the chain of custody that could lead to the evidence being thrown out.
We will exhaust every possible option to protect your rights, your freedom, and your future. A skilled Dublin drug distribution lawyer can make all the difference.
Decades of Criminal Defense Experience in Dublin
Our firm is led by Attorney Christopher A. Lamiero, who brings over 30 years of criminal law experience—including years as a state prosecutor—to every client we serve. This rare background allows us to anticipate the prosecution’s moves and implement proven strategies in California drug cases.
Whether you are being investigated or have already been charged, our bilingual team provides accessible, client-centered support that reflects a deep commitment to your rights and your future.
Our familiarity with local prosecutors, judges, and court staff ensures that we are well-prepared to advocate on your behalf from the earliest stages, which often makes a significant difference in the trajectory and outcome of your case.
Here’s how our drug distribution attorneys in Dublin guide clients through the process in the local courts and surrounding jurisdictions:
- Initial consultation & case review: We listen to your story, explain potential charges, and outline possible next steps before any statements are made to investigators or prosecutors.
- Investigation & evidence gathering: Our team conducts a parallel investigation, challenging the legality of search warrants, arrests, and evidence handling—especially important under California’s stringent constitutional standards and Alameda County law enforcement protocols.
- Plea negotiations & alternative options: With the prosecutor’s perspective, we can seek alternative resolutions—including drug diversion programs or reduced charges—when appropriate and available in Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.
- Courtroom advocacy: If your case proceeds, we advocate forcefully in front of judges and juries familiar to us through our decades of work in Dublin’s criminal courts.
- Ongoing support: We maintain open communication throughout, so you always know where your case stands and how we’re working to protect your rights and minimize long-term consequences.
Throughout this process, our goal is always to preserve your reputation and future opportunities—whether in employment, education, or within your community.
Speak With a Drug Distribution Lawyer in Dublin Today
If you or a loved one is facing drug distribution charges, acting quickly can make all the difference. We offer direct access to a seasoned defense team with insight into the complexities of Dublin courts, law enforcement strategies, and prosecutorial approaches.
Contact The Law Office Of Christopher A. Lamiero at (925) 259-3337 for a confidential, free consultation. ¡Hablamos español!
Criminal Defense FAQ
-
What is a Defense Attorney?
A criminal defense attorney is a lawyer who specializes in defending individuals, businesses and organizations accused of committing a crime. They have the knowledge to understand the laws and legal procedures related to criminal cases. A criminal defense lawyers strives to protect their client's rights and build a strong defense case against all charges.
Defense attorneys use a variety of methods to help their clients, including research and investigation, interviewing witnesses, filing motions, plea bargaining with prosecutors and advocating in court for their clients. They may also advise clients on how best to prepare for trial and present evidence that could prove innocence or legal mitigating factors. In some cases, they also negotiate with prosecutors in order to get reduced or dropped charges for their clients. As experienced professionals, criminal defense attorneys look for any weaknesses in the government's case and make sure that every aspect of the law is being followed.
By hiring an experienced lawyer, you can be rest assured knowing that your rights are protected throughout the legal process and that you will receive sound advice to help you navigate your case.
-
Should I Accept a Plea Agreement?
Most criminal cases resolve through plea deals. A plea bargain allows you to accept the penalty for a lesser offense, often keeping more serious charges off your record. Whether a plea will benefit you depends on your situation, but no one should accept a plea deal from someone who is not guilty of the crime.
Having a lawyer to counsel you on your best options is critical if you hope to avoid agreeing to a deal that is not in your best interests.
-
Will I Lose My Professional License if I Am Convicted of a Felony?
While California has passed a law prohibiting employers from asking about an applicant’s criminal history before making a job offer, this does not mean a conviction on your record will not affect your career opportunities. Many professional licensing boards have restrictions on eligibility for those who have criminal convictions.
Depending on the type of license you hold and the circumstances of your case, a conviction may negatively affect your professional future. Having an attorney on your side can improve the chances of avoiding a career-ending conviction.
-
Why Do I Need an Attorney?
After your arrest, you should waste no time seeking the counsel of an attorney who is familiar with California laws and the courts in Alameda County, Northern and Central California. You will be facing skilled prosecutors whose goal is to convict you.
Your defense attorney will have the resources to construct a defense that will give you every possible advantage to avoid a conviction of the most serious charges you face. Even a misdemeanor conviction can negatively affect your life for years. I will work to prevent that from happening.
-
What Should I Do Next?
Your first step after your arrest should be to contact an experienced criminal defense attorney. Police and investigators should not continue questioning you once you have asked for a lawyer. When you obtain legal representation from Attorney Christopher Lamiero, our firm will protect your rights and help you make the right decisions throughout the legal process.
Call (925) 259-3337 or use our online form to obtain legal counsel from an experienced criminal defense lawyer in Dublin, CA. Se habla español.