Sacramento / Placer
Drug Crime Defense
Defending Your Rights
“As a prosecutor, I handled or worked on over a hundred drug cases and did jury trials on both possession and ‘sales’ cases. These cases have particular problems that require technical solutions, particularly with the searches, informants and the expert testimony used by the Prosecution to prove sales or possession for sales.” — Ryan J. Couzens
Drug Crime Charges in California
Sacramento drug crime defense attorney and former prosecutor fighting for your future
Drug charges in California can escalate quickly and carry life-altering consequences. Depending on the circumstances, a conviction may lead to jail or prison time, heavy fines, probation, mandatory treatment programs, and a permanent criminal record. The outcome of a drug case often depends on details most people don’t realize matter — the type and quantity of a substance, how it was discovered, whether your rights were violated, and how the prosecution alleges intent.
At Couzens Criminal Defense, we defend clients throughout Sacramento and Placer County, and the surrounding communities who are facing the full range of drug-related charges, from simple possession to serious felony allegations. With years of experience on the prosecution side, Ryan Couzens understands how drug cases are investigated and charged — and now uses that insider perspective to challenge evidence, expose weaknesses, and fight for the best possible result.
Protect Your Future – Contact Us Today!
If you or a loved one is facing drug charges in California, don’t face the legal system alone. The sooner you act, the stronger your defense will be. Contact our firm today at (916) 603-2000 for a free consultation, and let us fight to protect your rights and secure the best outcome for your case.
Understanding Drug Charges in California
Drug charges in California range from simple possession to much more serious offenses, including possession for sale, transportation, and manufacturing. What many people don’t realize is how quickly a drug case can escalate. Factors such as where the arrest happened, whether a firearm was involved, or the amount of a substance can dramatically increase the severity of the charge and expose someone to felony prosecution and harsher penalties.
For example, under Health & Safety Code § 11370.1, being found in possession of certain controlled substances while also in possession of a loaded firearm can automatically be charged as a felony — regardless of the quantity involved. Situations like this often come as a shock to people who believed they were facing a much lower-level offense.
Alternatives to Jail for Drug Offenses
For many non-violent drug charges, California law provides alternative sentencing programs that can reduce or even eliminate jail time. Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for:
- Pre-Trial Diversion – Completion of a drug education or treatment program may result in charges being dismissed.
- Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ) – A guilty plea is entered, but no conviction is recorded if all program requirements are met.
- Drug Court Programs – Allows for treatment and rehabilitation instead of incarceration.
Our defense team works to leverage these legal options whenever possible, helping clients avoid harsh penalties and focus on recovery and rehabilitation.
Illegal Searches & Violations of Your Rights
Many drug investigations involve searches of individuals, vehicles, homes, or personal property. If law enforcement violated your constitutional rights during a search or arrest, evidence against you could be suppressed or your case dismissed entirely.
We thoroughly examine every detail of your case, challenging:
- Unlawful traffic stops & searches
- Warrantless home or property searches
- Illegal surveillance or entrapment tactics
- Violations of due process
We understand constitutional law and can defend you by exposing law enforcement errors and violations of rights.
Defending Against a Wide Range of Drug Charges
Our law firm provides strong legal representation for individuals facing a variety of drug-related charges, including:
- Possession of a Controlled Substance – (Health & Safety Code § 11350)
- Possession for Sale of a Controlled Substance – (Health & Safety Code § 11351)
- Transportation of a Controlled Substance – (Health & Safety Code § 11352)
- Cultivation of More Than Six Marijuana Plants – (Health & Safety Code § 11358)
- Possession for Sale of Marijuana – (Health & Safety Code § 11359)
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – (Health & Safety Code § 11364)
- Possession of a Controlled Substance and a Loaded Firearm – (Health & Safety Code § 11370.1)
- Manufacturing a Controlled Substance – (Health & Safety Code § 11379.6)
What Sets Couzens Criminal Defense Apart
At Couzens Criminal Defense, you benefit from:
- A former award-winning prosecutor who now defends people accused of drug charges
- Nearly two decades of courtroom experience with drug crimes
- Early, pre-filing intervention to stop charges before they start
- A firm that knows how to investigate, challenge, and negotiate on your behalf
- Customized defense strategies including self-defense, mutual combat, lack of intent, and false accusation
Why Clients Choose Couzens Criminal Defense
When you’re facing drug charges, the attorney you choose matters. Effective defense requires not only knowledge of the law, but an understanding of how these cases are investigated, charged, and prosecuted.
- Deep knowledge of California drug laws – Including sentencing exposure, enhancements, and alternatives such as diversion and treatment-based resolutions.
- Thorough, strategic case analysis – Every case is examined for weaknesses, constitutional violations, and law enforcement errors.
- Personalized defense strategies – No templates. No shortcuts. Each defense is built around the specific facts and goals of the client.
- Insight from the prosecution side – Ryan Couzens spent sixteen years as a prosecutor and was twice named “Attorney of the Year” by his peers — experience he now uses to challenge the state’s case.
Contact Us Today
Drug charges can escalate quickly and carry serious consequences, including jail or prison time, long-term supervision, and a permanent criminal record. Early legal involvement can play a critical role in protecting your rights and shaping the outcome of your case. At Couzens Criminal Defense, we provide strategic drug crime defense backed by the insight of a former prosecutor who understands how these cases are investigated and charged.
Call 916-603-2000 today to schedule a free, confidential consultation and begin building your defense.
