Drug Crime Attorney In Van Nuys

Facing A Drug Charge & Need Direction

A drug arrest can put your freedom, record, job, and even immigration status at risk. If you were recently arrested or charged in this area, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure what will happen next in the Van Nuys Courthouse. You also know you do not have much time before your first court date.

At Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel, we focus on criminal defense and DUI cases, including a wide range of drug offenses. Our office is in Van Nuys, and our attorney has defended people in California criminal courts since 1994. When you contact us, you speak with a seasoned trial lawyer who takes the time to understand what happened and what you are most worried about. We work directly with each client, rather than handing cases off to less qualified associates. Our goal is to protect your rights and guide you through each step of the process so you are never left guessing. If you are searching for a drug defense lawyer Van Nuys residents can turn to for clear, honest advice, we are ready to talk with you.

Call (818) 797-9212 today to set up a consultation, or contact us online to learn more.

Why Your Drug Case Needs Local Defense

Drug charges in this area often move through the Van Nuys Courthouse, where many cases are prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney. Local rules, courtroom customs, and the way particular judges handle calendars all affect how a case unfolds. Having a lawyer who regularly appears in this building and understands how these cases are treated can be a real advantage.

When you work with our firm, you work directly with our attorney, Scott Spindel. He has focused on criminal defense and DUI matters for decades, and he is familiar with how local prosecutors approach drug cases, from simple possession to more serious allegations. That experience helps us explain what is likely to happen at arraignment, pretrial conferences, and any future hearings. We also understand the practical side of appearing in court here, including how calendars are set and how to prepare clients for speaking, or not speaking, in front of the judge. A drug lawyer Van Nuys defendants choose should not be learning the courthouse layout at your expense.

Our firm takes time to walk you through the paperwork, notices, and conditions the court may impose. We aim to keep you fully informed, from the first appearance to the final resolution, so that you can make decisions with a clear picture of your options.

Common Drug Charges & Consequences

Many people come to us unsure exactly what they have been charged with. California drug laws can be confusing, and the language on citations or complaints often feels technical. Understanding the type of charge you face helps you see what is at stake and how a defense strategy can help.

Drug cases in this area often involve allegations such as simple possession of a controlled substance, possession for sale, sales or transportation, possession of drug paraphernalia, prescription-related offenses, or drug-related DUI. The exact statute depends on factors like the substance, the amount, whether money or packaging was involved, and your prior record, if any.

Consequences can range widely. Some cases may qualify for diversion or treatment-focused options that aim to keep a conviction off your record if you complete certain conditions. Others can expose you to county jail time, longer probation terms, significant fines, or immigration consequences if you are not a United States citizen. Professional licenses, employment, and housing can all be impacted when a drug conviction appears on a background check.

Common factors that influence drug case outcomes include:

• Type and quantity of the substance the police claim to have seized
• Whether prosecutors allege personal use or intent to sell
• Your prior criminal history, if any
• Whether a weapon, children, or driving was involved
• How the police obtained the evidence, including any searches or stops

A drug defense attorney Van Nuys residents trust will review these details carefully before giving you realistic advice. Our firm examines the charges, police reports, and evidence to see both the risks and the opportunities to limit or avoid long-term damage.

What To Do After A Drug Arrest

In the hours and days after a drug arrest, it can be tempting to try to fix things by explaining your side to the police or to other people. That instinct is understandable, but it can make your situation worse. Anything you say can be used later, and it is very difficult to undo statements that are already in a report.

People arrested on drug allegations may be released with a citation, held for bail, or given a promise to appear at the Van Nuys Courthouse. The timing and setting of your first court date can vary based on where you were arrested and the type of charge. Either way, it is important to use the time before that hearing wisely.

Steps you can take right now after a drug arrest:

• Stay calm and avoid discussing the facts of the case with anyone but your attorney
• Gather and keep all paperwork, including citation, booking documents, and any property receipts
• Make a note of where the arrest happened, who was present, and any witnesses you know
• Save relevant messages, prescription records, or medical information that may relate to your case
• Contact a drug arrest attorney as soon as you can to review your situation before court

When you reach out to us, we work to review the paperwork, identify your upcoming court date, and explain what will likely happen at that first appearance. We also begin looking at how the police came into contact with you, how they searched, and what they claim to have found. Our goal is to give you clear guidance right away, so you do not walk into court feeling alone or unprepared with a drug arrest lawyer Van Nuys clients can depend on.

How We Defend Drug Charges

No two drug cases are exactly alike. The facts, the people involved, and the long-term goals all matter. When you hire our firm, we start by listening carefully to your account and comparing it to the version found in the police reports. We then build a plan that fits your priorities, whether that is avoiding jail, protecting a professional license, or limiting immigration risk.

Many drug prosecutions depend heavily on searches, seizures, and traffic stops. We look closely at whether officers had a lawful reason to stop you, whether they respected constitutional limits on searches, and how they actually found the evidence they now rely on. If there are serious issues with the way the evidence was obtained, we can challenge that in court and ask that illegally obtained evidence be excluded.

In drug-related driving cases, our background in DUI law and training in sobriety testing can be especially useful. We are familiar with field sobriety testing methods and how officers are supposed to administer them. That knowledge helps us evaluate whether conclusions about impairment are supported by reliable observations and, when appropriate, push back on weak or inconsistent testing.

We also consider options beyond straight punishment. In some situations, especially for people with limited or no prior record, treatment programs, counseling, or structured diversion can be part of a resolution. Our attorney discusses these possibilities with you, as well as the benefits and obligations that come with them.

Throughout the case, you work directly with attorney Scott Spindel. He keeps you updated, explains the meaning of court dates, and discusses plea offers or other developments before any decisions are made. If you are comparing choices for a drug crime lawyer Van Nuys defendants can hire, it is important to know who will actually stand next to you in court and answer your questions along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For My Drug Charge?

Jail is a possibility in many drug cases, but it is not automatic. The risk depends on the charge, your record, and the specific facts. We review those details, explain realistic ranges of outcomes, and work to pursue options that can reduce or avoid custody when circumstances allow.

How Quickly Should I Hire A Lawyer After My Arrest?

It is wise to consult a lawyer as soon as you can after a drug arrest. Early involvement lets us prepare for your first court date, review how the police obtained evidence, and advise you before you speak with anyone. Waiting often limits available options and can increase stress.

Should I Talk To The Police To Explain My Side?

You should not discuss the facts of your case with law enforcement without a lawyer. Even well-intentioned statements can be misunderstood or used against you later. We can review what happened, advise you about your rights, and handle communication with officers or prosecutors when that is in your interest.

Will I Work Directly With Attorney Scott Spindel?

Yes, when you hire our firm, you work directly with attorney Scott Spindel on your case. He appears with you in court, reviews the evidence, and discusses strategy with you. Our staff helps with support tasks, but your primary contact for legal decisions is our lead attorney.

What Happens At My First Court Date In Van Nuys?

The first court date, often called an arraignment, is typically when charges are formally addressed and you enter an initial plea. Bail and release conditions may also be considered. We explain the process ahead of time, appear with you in court, and begin protecting your rights from that first hearing.

Talk To Our Drug Defense Team

A drug arrest in this area is serious, but you do not have to face it alone. The choices you make now can affect your record, your family, and your future opportunities. Speaking with a knowledgeable drug attorney that Van Nuys residents can trust gives you a clearer picture of what lies ahead.

At Law Offices of Scott R. Spindel, we bring many years of criminal defense work, a Van Nuys-based office, and direct access to attorney Scott Spindel to every case we handle. We work to keep you informed, answer your questions, and guide you through each step in court and beyond. To talk about your situation and possible next steps, contact us today.

Call (818) 797-9212 to speak with our firm about your drug case.