A drug arrest in Bakersfield can lead to jail time and a permanent criminal record. It can also follow you into your job and housing search. A drug crimes lawyer can challenge how police found the evidence and question whether it actually proves the charge. When diversion or other alternatives are available, a lawyer can pursue those too. GBART Law defends people facing drug charges in Bakersfield and throughout Kern County, from first-time possession cases to felony sales and transportation charges.
What Does a Drug Crimes Lawyer Do in Bakersfield?
A drug crimes lawyer examines every step of the investigation, from the initial stop or search to the lab testing of the substance. The goal is to find violations and weaknesses the prosecution cannot overcome. Our work on a drug case often includes:
- Filing motions to suppress evidence from illegal searches
- Challenging whether you knowingly possessed the drugs
- Questioning lab results, weights, and chain of custody
- Negotiating reduced charges with prosecutors
- Seeking diversion, treatment, or probation instead of jail
CHARGES: One count of Importation of a Controlled Substance (110 pounds (50 kilos) of Methamphetamine) LONGEST POSSIBLE SENTENCE. Life in custody. RESULT. 18 months in custody and 3 years of supervised release. CHARGES. One count of Public Intoxication. LONGEST POSSIBLE SENTENCE. 6 months in custody. RESULT. Case dismissed! CHARGES: 2 counts of robbery (A “strike”) LONGEST POSSIBLE SENTENCE. 6 years in custody. RESULT. Case dismissed! CHARGES. Grand Theft Auto and Possession of Burglary Tools LONGEST POSSIBLE SENTENCE. 3 years and 6 months in custody. RESULT. Case dismissed!CASE RESULTS
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What Drug Charges Are Common in Bakersfield?
Bakersfield sits along Highway 99 and near Interstate 5. Both are major routes that draw heavy law enforcement attention, so traffic stops frequently turn into drug investigations. Our team handles a wide range of drug crime charges, including:
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession for sale of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, or heroin
- Transportation or sale of controlled substances
- Cultivation or unlicensed sale of marijuana
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Prescription drug fraud
Can a Drug Search Be Challenged?
Yes. Police generally need a warrant, valid consent, or a recognized exception to search you, your car, or your home. Evidence may be thrown out when officers do any of the following:
- Extend a traffic stop without good reason
- Search beyond the scope of your consent
- Rely on a defective warrant
Without that evidence, many drug cases are reduced or dismissed entirely.
Gio Bartoletti’s background as a former police officer and prosecutor gives our team a practical edge here. He knows how officers justify searches in their reports and where those justifications fall apart under questioning.
Will You Go to Jail for a Drug Charge in Kern County?
Not necessarily. Many people charged with drug possession qualify for pretrial diversion or deferred entry of judgment. Completing the required treatment or education can lead to a dismissal. However, California’s Proposition 36, passed in 2024, increased penalties for certain repeat drug offenses and for some fentanyl-related charges. That makes early legal advice more important than ever. You can find answers to related questions in our drug crime FAQs.
How Can a Drug Conviction Affect Your Future?
A drug conviction can affect far more than your sentence. Potential consequences include:
- Loss of a professional license or current job
- Difficulty passing background checks
- Ineligibility for certain housing and student aid
- Immigration consequences for non-citizens
- Harsher penalties for any future offense
Talk to a Bakersfield Drug Crimes Lawyer Today
The sooner you have a lawyer on your side, the more options you are likely to have. GBART Law offers a 100% free consultation and is available 24/7 to take your call. Contact us at (951) 221-3998 to speak with a drug crimes lawyer about your Bakersfield case.