Santa Cruz Drug Possession Lawyer

Seeking a Santa Cruz Drug Possession Defense Attorney?

Major Law Change 11/8/16: Many marijuana "crimes" are no longer crimes. Following the passage of Proposition 64, most felony or misdemeanor offenses have been downgraded to misdemeanors or infractions. Those who had been convicted of an offense before November 8, 2016 that would have resulted in a lesser penalty under current laws may file a petition for resentencing or dismissal of charges. For more information, please call our Santa Cruz office at 831-426-5800.

If you are seeking a Santa Cruz drug possession defense attorney, you need an experienced and aggressive defense lawyer who knows how to protect your rights. After a drug related arrest, you need the peace of mind that comes from having a proven lawyer on your side. Choosing an experienced drug crimes lawyer is crucial. If you are accused of drug possession or drug sales in California, act quickly to obtain help from a skilled Santa Cruz drug possession defense attorney.

Santa Cruz Criminal Defense Attorney John W. Thornton offers more than 30 years of experience defending against drug possession charges in Santa Cruz and surrounding communities. Mr. Thornton is extremely knowledgeable about California drug laws. But no matter what drug you are accused of having in your possession for consumption or sale, your constitutional rights will be protected. Constitutional violations can result in the exclusion of evidence and dismissal of your case. Contact our law firm today for an aggressive defense strategy.

How can an Attorney Fight my Drug Charges?

Criminal defense lawyers know countless strategies for defending your rights and limiting your risk of conviction. Your rights may have been violated, you may be the victim of overly aggressive police. At the office of John W. Thornton, Attorney at Law, we offer decades of experience defending individuals against serious drug charges including:

• Cultivation of illegal substances
• Possession of cocaine, meth and other narcotics
• Possession with intent to sell
• Transportation of drugs
• Narcotics sales
• Distribution or intent to distribute
• Prescription forgery

We are prepared for all drug-related criminal cases. We will work together to develop an aggressive defense strategy and determine whether or not you are eligible for drug treatment programs offered as alternatives to incarceration. Such alternatives to incarceration include:

• Deferred entry of judgment: Formerly known as drug diversion, this is an educational and counseling program focused on providing an assessment of drug and alcohol use. The program occurs over six months during 15 hours in group education and counseling sessions. Lower-level drug offenders may plead guilty to their drug charges, complete the program and then have their charges completely dropped from their criminal record. This process requires 18 months of arrest-free behavior.
• Proposition 36: If you qualify for this program, an expert from the Department of Health will work with a judge to determine the level of treatment you need. Your drug charges could be dismissed if you complete a one-year treatment course, electronic monitoring, work furlough, and work release, when coupled with drug/alcohol treatment.

Santa Cruz drug charges lawyer John Thornton is also well-versed in medical marijuana defenses, including California's Compassionate Use Act (Proposition 215). In addition, he can help you determine whether you are eligible for expungement of criminal offenses.

Contact Us Today

If you are facing California criminal charges, contact us online or call 831-426-5800 or 831-566-4357 to meet with defense attorney John W. Thornton in Santa Cruz, California, for a thorough assessment of your case. For your convenience, John W. Thornton, Attorney at Law, offers free initial consultations.