Facing a drug possession or drug sales charge in Emeryville can be overwhelming, especially if the arrest happened during a traffic stop or while you were driving through Alameda County. A conviction can affect your license, job prospects, immigration status, and reputation for years to come. The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed defends people accused of driving and drug offenses across Emeryville and nearby communities. This page explains how California drug laws work, what you are up against, and how a focused defense strategy can protect your future.
Police and prosecutors in Emeryville and throughout Alameda County take drug possession and sales allegations very seriously, particularly when a vehicle, prescription medication, or alleged intent to sell is involved. Even a first offense can bring jail time, probation conditions, and long-term collateral consequences. You do not have to navigate this process alone or guess about your options. By understanding the charges, the possible defenses, and the steps in the criminal court process, you can make informed choices that safeguard your record, your license, and your life in the Bay Area.
Representation in an Emeryville drug possession or sales case can make a meaningful difference in how your case is charged, negotiated, and resolved. A thoughtful defense can challenge the legality of the traffic stop, the search of your vehicle or home, and whether the substance was actually yours. In many cases, the focus shifts from punishment toward treatment, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing. Having a dedicated legal team handle court hearings, negotiate with prosecutors, and analyze police reports can reduce stress and help protect your driver’s license, employment, and future opportunities in Alameda County.
The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed is an Oakland criminal defense law firm representing people charged with driving and drug offenses throughout Alameda County and Contra Costa County, including Emeryville. The firm has handled a wide range of misdemeanor and felony matters, from simple possession to more serious sales and transportation allegations. Clients receive straight talk about the strengths and weaknesses of their case, clear explanations of the court process, and defense strategies tailored to local judges and prosecutors. The firm works to minimize disruption to your life while pursuing the most favorable outcome possible.
Drug possession and sales charges in California cover a wide range of situations, from having a small amount of a controlled substance in your pocket to allegations that you were transporting drugs for sale while driving through Emeryville. Prosecutors look at the type and quantity of the substance, how it was packaged, and whether there is evidence of intent to sell, such as cash or text messages. Charges can be filed as misdemeanors or felonies, with penalties that include jail, probation, fines, mandatory programs, and driver’s license consequences.
In many Emeryville cases, a routine traffic stop or minor equipment violation leads to a vehicle search and a drug arrest. Understanding your rights during these encounters is essential. The legality of the stop, probable cause to search, and whether you consented are all issues that may be challenged in court. California law also provides opportunities for diversion, treatment-focused resolutions, and charge reductions in certain circumstances. Knowing how these options apply to your situation can help you avoid unnecessary convictions and protect your record in Alameda County.
California law generally treats possession as having control over a controlled substance, whether it is in your pocket, your car, your backpack, or even a shared space, as long as prosecutors claim you knew about it and its nature. Sales or possession for sale typically involve allegations that you intended to distribute the substance to someone else, not just personally use it. Police and prosecutors in Emeryville may rely on the amount of the drug, how it is packaged, scales, pay-owe sheets, or statements to claim there was intent to sell, even when a person insists it was only for personal use.
Every drug possession or sales case in Emeryville generally moves through several stages, starting with the initial stop or investigation, arrest, and booking at a local facility. From there, you may face an arraignment, where charges are read and pleas are entered, followed by pretrial hearings, negotiations, and possibly a motion to suppress evidence if the search or stop is challenged. Prosecutors must prove that the substance was illegal, that you knew about it, and that you possessed it or intended to sell it. Throughout this process, there may be opportunities for dismissal, reduced charges, diversion, or resolution that protects your record.
Drug cases are full of legal terms and abbreviations that can be confusing. Understanding this language helps you follow what is happening in court and make informed decisions. Words like “possession for sale,” “constructive possession,” and “probable cause” come up often in Emeryville drug prosecutions that begin with a traffic stop or vehicle search. Prosecutors and judges also refer to diversion programs, enhancements, and prior convictions when discussing possible outcomes. This glossary explains some of the most common terms so you can better understand the discussions about your case.
Actual possession usually means the drugs were found directly on you, such as in your hand, pocket, or clothing during a stop in Emeryville. Prosecutors argue that because the substance was physically on your person, you had control over it and knew it was there. Even in these situations, there may be questions about whether you knew what the substance was, whether it was placed on you by someone else, or whether the search that uncovered the drugs was lawful under California and federal law.
Constructive possession applies when prosecutors claim you had control over drugs that were not physically on you but were in a place you allegedly controlled, such as your car, a shared apartment, or the trunk during a traffic stop in Emeryville. The law often requires proof that you knew the substance was there and that you had the right to control that location. In shared spaces, it can be hard for the prosecution to show who actually possessed what, which can open the door to meaningful defense arguments.
Possession for sale is a more serious allegation than simple possession and involves a claim that you intended to sell the drugs to others in or around Emeryville. Prosecutors often point to packaging materials, pay-owe sheets, scales, or large quantities of drugs as supposed evidence of sales. However, people sometimes buy in bulk for personal use, or items found nearby belong to someone else. Challenging the assumption of sales and questioning the meaning of the evidence can significantly change the outcome of your case.
Probable cause is the legal standard police must meet before they arrest you or search your car, home, or belongings in a drug case. In Emeryville, many drug possession and sales charges arise from vehicle stops where officers claim they smelled marijuana, saw contraband in plain view, or noticed other indicators of crime. If there was not a valid legal basis for the stop or search, the court can suppress the evidence, which may lead to a dismissal or a far better resolution. Probable cause is often a central issue in driving and drug offense cases.
When facing drug possession or sales charges in Emeryville, you may have several paths forward, each with different risks and benefits. Some people may qualify for diversion, treatment-based options, or reduced charges. Others may be better served by litigating motions that challenge the stop, search, or alleged statements. There are also situations where taking a case to trial is the most appropriate choice. Comparing these options requires a careful look at the evidence, your record, immigration concerns, and your personal goals, such as protecting your driver’s license, job, and family.
In some Emeryville cases, a limited defense approach focused on negotiation and mitigation may be appropriate, especially for first-time simple possession charges without allegations of sales. If the quantity is small, there is no prior record, and there are strong personal circumstances such as employment, schooling, or family responsibilities, prosecutors may be more open to diversion or reduced charges. Providing documentation of treatment efforts, community ties, or clean drug tests can encourage resolution that protects your record and avoids extended litigation, while still respecting your rights and long-term goals.
A limited strategy may also make sense when the evidence of possession is strong, the search appears lawful, and you qualify for diversion, deferred entry of judgment, or treatment-focused options under California law. In these Emeryville cases, the focus often shifts toward avoiding a permanent conviction, minimizing penalties, and protecting your record. Negotiating early can sometimes secure favorable terms before prosecutors become more rigid. Even with a limited approach, it is important to fully understand the long-term effects of any plea, including immigration, employment, and professional licensing consequences.
When you are facing felony possession for sale charges, transportation allegations, or have prior convictions on your record, a more comprehensive defense is often necessary. Emeryville prosecutors may seek harsher penalties, longer probation terms, and substantial custody time in these cases. A thorough strategy can include challenging the basis for the traffic stop, questioning whether the substance was actually yours, scrutinizing laboratory testing, and exploring whether the quantity really supports a sales allegation. The stakes are higher, and the defense often needs to address sentencing enhancements and long-term impacts on your future.
A comprehensive defense strategy is especially important when drug charges in Emeryville threaten more than just jail time. Non-citizens may face immigration consequences, including removal or denial of future benefits, based on certain drug convictions. People in sensitive careers or professional licensing fields can also encounter serious obstacles if they accept the wrong plea. In these situations, every detail matters: the exact statute, the wording of the plea, and whether alternative resolutions are available. A careful, broad approach works to limit long-term harm and protect your ability to live and work in California.
A comprehensive approach to drug possession and sales charges in Emeryville goes beyond reacting to each court date. It means investigating the traffic stop, examining police body camera footage, reviewing lab reports, and identifying every potential weakness in the prosecution’s case. By viewing the case from multiple angles, opportunities can arise for dismissal, reduced charges, or diversion into treatment. This broader perspective also considers your future, working to protect your driver’s license, employment, immigration status, and standing in the community, not just the immediate outcome in the courtroom.
Another benefit of a comprehensive strategy is that it allows you to make decisions from a position of information rather than fear. When you understand the possible consequences, the strength of the evidence, and the likelihood of success on suppression or other motions, you can weigh plea offers with greater confidence. This approach also creates room to bring forward your story, including personal history, treatment efforts, and community support, which can influence negotiations and sentencing arguments in Emeryville and throughout Alameda County.
One major benefit of a comprehensive defense is the increased opportunity to secure a reduction or dismissal of drug charges. By closely examining the legality of the stop, search, and seizure, the accuracy of drug testing, and the credibility of witnesses, weaknesses in the prosecution’s case may emerge. In Emeryville, successful motions to suppress evidence can dramatically change the landscape, sometimes leaving the prosecutor with little admissible evidence. Even when dismissal is not possible, a well-documented challenge to the case can encourage prosecutors to offer more favorable plea terms.
A thorough defense also helps safeguard what matters most beyond the courtroom: your family, career, and place in the community. Drug convictions can affect housing applications, professional licenses, immigration status, and educational opportunities. For drivers in Emeryville and throughout Alameda County, a drug-related arrest tied to a traffic stop can impact driving privileges and insurance rates. By carefully weighing each decision against its long-term effects, a comprehensive approach aims to preserve your record as much as possible and maintain your ability to build a stable future in the Bay Area.
If you are stopped in Emeryville and officers begin asking about drugs in your car or on your person, staying calm and avoiding unnecessary conversation can protect your rights. You generally must provide identification and basic information, but you do not have to answer detailed questions about where you were going, what you were doing, or who owns particular items. Politely declining to consent to searches and avoiding arguments or sudden movements can reduce the risk of misunderstandings. Anything you say may be used later, so silence can often be your strongest protection.
Taking proactive steps can strengthen your position in an Emeryville drug case. If substance use played a role, consider voluntarily enrolling in counseling or treatment and documenting your progress. Gather character letters from employers, teachers, or community members who know your positive qualities. Collect proof of employment, school enrollment, or family responsibilities that show your ties to the community. These materials can support negotiations with prosecutors and demonstrate to the court that you are committed to moving forward in a constructive way, which may influence the outcome of your case.
Drug possession and sales allegations bring serious risks that go well beyond a single court date. In Emeryville and throughout Alameda County, a conviction can affect employment, housing, financial aid, and immigration status, and may lead to probation terms that restrict your freedom. People accused of driving and drug offenses also face potential license issues and higher insurance costs. Seeking defense services ensures that someone carefully reviews the evidence, protects your rights at every stage, and looks for outcomes that limit long-term harm while addressing your immediate concerns.
Another reason to seek focused drug defense is the complexity of California’s controlled substance laws and local court practices. Rules about diversion, eligibility for treatment-based resolutions, and the impact of prior convictions can be confusing. In Emeryville, every case passes through a system with its own timelines, plea practices, and personalities. Navigating this environment on your own can feel daunting. Having a legal team that understands local courts can help you avoid missteps, meet deadlines, and pursue resolutions that protect your record and your future in the Bay Area.
People from all walks of life find themselves facing drug possession or sales accusations in Emeryville, often after seemingly minor events. A broken taillight, a missed signal, or a call about a disturbance can lead officers to start asking questions and requesting consent to search. Sometimes a misunderstanding about prescription medication or a ride with the wrong group of people results in everyone being arrested. Understanding these common patterns can help you recognize that you are not alone and that there are often meaningful ways to respond to the charges.
One of the most frequent paths to a drug arrest in Emeryville is a traffic stop that turns into a vehicle search. Officers may claim to smell marijuana, see contraband, or notice signs of impairment, then ask to look inside your car. Items found in the glove box, trunk, or under seats can lead to possession or sales charges, even when several people were in the vehicle. The legality of the stop and the search often becomes a central part of the defense, with courts examining whether officers followed constitutional rules.
Another common situation involves searches of homes, apartments, or shared spaces in and around Emeryville. Police may serve a warrant, respond to a noise complaint, or follow up on a tip and then claim to find drugs or paraphernalia in a bedroom, living room, or garage. When multiple people share the space, questions arise about who actually possessed what was found. Challenging the validity of the warrant, the scope of the search, and the assumption that every occupant is responsible can be key to defending against these types of allegations.
Many Emeryville drug possession cases begin with casual street encounters where officers approach someone in a park, near a store, or outside a vehicle. These interactions can quickly escalate if police believe they see drugs exchanged, smell marijuana, or think a person matches a description from a call. The line between a voluntary conversation and a detention is important, because it affects whether searches and seizures are lawful. Examining body camera footage, dispatch records, and witness statements often sheds light on whether police followed constitutional requirements during these encounters.
The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed understands how stressful drug possession and sales allegations can be for individuals and families in Emeryville. From the moment you reach out, the firm focuses on listening to your story, explaining the process in plain language, and identifying the next steps to protect your rights. Whether your case stems from a traffic stop, a home search, or an alleged hand-to-hand sale, the firm’s goal is to guide you through each court appearance, explore every defense, and work toward an outcome that allows you to move forward.
Choosing a law firm for a drug possession or sales case in Emeryville is a significant decision. The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed is an Oakland-based criminal defense law firm that regularly appears in Alameda County courts, including matters involving driving and drug offenses. The firm is familiar with local procedures, judges, and prosecutors, and uses this knowledge to develop strategies that fit the realities of the Emeryville and Oakland court systems. Clients receive candid advice, responsive communication, and guidance tailored to the facts of their case.
The firm’s approach emphasizes preparation, communication, and advocacy at every stage of the process. From analyzing police reports and body camera footage to filing legal motions and negotiating with the district attorney, the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed works to uncover favorable facts and present your story effectively. The firm understands the wide-ranging consequences of drug charges and aims to protect your record, your driver’s license, and your future opportunities. Serving clients throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties, the office is committed to standing with you from start to finish.
When you contact the Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed about a drug possession or sales case in Emeryville, the firm follows a clear process designed to give you information and direction as early as possible. The first step usually involves reviewing your side of the story, the police reports, and any charging documents. From there, the office evaluates potential defenses, including challenges to the stop or search, and discusses likely outcomes. Throughout the case, you receive updates, guidance before each hearing, and honest input about whether to negotiate, litigate, or consider trial.
The process begins with an initial consultation where you can explain what happened in your own words, whether the incident arose from a traffic stop, a home search, or a street encounter in Emeryville. The firm reviews any paperwork you received, including citations, bail documents, or court notices, and answers your immediate questions. This early evaluation helps identify time-sensitive issues, such as upcoming court dates or the need to preserve video evidence. You will also receive an overview of potential charges, penalties, and defense strategies tailored to your circumstances.
During the first part of the consultation, the focus is on listening. You have the chance to describe the Emeryville incident in detail, including where you were, who was present, and how the police approached you. Many clients worry about jail, employment, or immigration, and those concerns are taken seriously from the start. By understanding what matters most to you, the firm can prioritize goals such as avoiding a conviction, preserving your license, or limiting exposure to custody time, while also explaining realistic options in clear terms.
The next part of Step 1 involves reviewing the paperwork from your arrest or citation, including any complaint, ticket, or booking documents. The firm looks for clues about the alleged substances, the charges, and whether enhancements or prior convictions are mentioned. From there, you will receive a general outline of potential strategies, such as challenging the legality of the stop or search, exploring diversion or treatment, or preparing for negotiations. While detailed planning comes later, this initial overview gives you a roadmap of what to expect in your Emeryville case.
Once the case is underway, the firm moves into investigation and pretrial work. This stage often includes obtaining full police reports, body camera footage, lab results, and 911 recordings related to your Emeryville arrest. The evidence is reviewed for inconsistencies, rights violations, or weaknesses in the prosecution’s case. When appropriate, legal motions may be filed to challenge the stop, search, or statements. At the same time, the firm engages in negotiations with the district attorney, using the results of the investigation to seek dismissals, reductions, or favorable terms.
A key part of Step 2 is collecting and analyzing all available evidence. This includes requesting body camera footage, dash camera recordings, and laboratory reports connected to the Emeryville incident. The firm looks closely at whether officers had a valid reason for the initial contact, whether they obtained consent or a warrant, and whether they followed department policies. Any inconsistencies or rights violations can support motions to suppress evidence or limit what prosecutors may use at trial. This careful review often shapes negotiations and potential outcomes in your case.
As the case develops, prosecutors may extend offers that include diversion, reduced charges, or particular sentencing terms. The firm evaluates these proposals in light of your goals, the strength of the evidence, and possible long-term consequences, including immigration and employment issues. In Emeryville drug cases, there are often opportunities to pursue treatment-based options or reduced offenses that better protect your record. You will receive candid input about the pros and cons of each option so you can make informed decisions rather than feeling pressured or rushed.
The final stage of an Emeryville drug possession or sales case involves either preparing for trial or finalizing a negotiated resolution. If you decide to contest the charges at trial, the firm develops a detailed plan for presenting your defense, cross-examining witnesses, and challenging the prosecution’s narrative. If a negotiated outcome is in your best interest, this phase focuses on finalizing terms, clarifying conditions, and ensuring you understand your obligations. In both paths, the goal is to reach a resolution that aligns with your priorities and protects your future as much as possible.
When trial becomes the best or only option, preparation is thorough and focused. The firm reviews witness statements, police reports, and physical evidence with an eye toward how they will appear to a judge or jury in an Alameda County courtroom. Witnesses may be interviewed, and potential defense witnesses identified. Attention is given to jury selection strategies, the order of witnesses, and key themes that highlight reasonable doubt. Throughout this process, you are kept informed about what to expect, so you can walk into trial with clarity about the plan.
If you choose to resolve your Emeryville case through a plea agreement, the final step is to make sure the terms are as fair and clear as possible. The firm reviews each condition with you, including probation terms, fines, classes, and any potential impact on your record or immigration status. Questions are addressed before you enter a plea so there are no surprises later. During sentencing, the firm can present mitigating information, such as treatment progress or community support, to help secure conditions that allow you to move forward constructively.
If you are arrested for drug possession or sales in Emeryville, try to stay calm and avoid arguing with officers. You generally must provide your name and identification, but you do not have to answer detailed questions about where the drugs came from or who they belong to. Anything you say can be used later. Politely decline to consent to searches if possible and remember that you have the right to remain silent. Once released, write down everything you remember about the encounter while details are still fresh. Contact a criminal defense law firm as soon as you can, ideally before your first court date. A lawyer can review your charges, explain what to expect in Alameda County court, and begin requesting police reports and other evidence. Early representation can help preserve video footage, witness statements, and potential defenses that might otherwise be lost over time. You will also receive guidance on what to do, and not do, while your Emeryville case is pending.
Whether police can search your car after a traffic stop in Emeryville depends on several factors, including why you were stopped, what officers claim to see or smell, and whether you consented. In some situations, officers need probable cause or a warrant; in others, they may rely on exceptions such as a search incident to arrest. Many drug possession and sales cases start with vehicle searches, so courts look closely at whether the search complied with constitutional standards. If the search of your car violated your rights, a motion can sometimes be filed to suppress the drugs or other evidence found. If the court grants that motion, the prosecution may lose key evidence and be forced to reduce or dismiss the charges. A defense lawyer can examine body camera footage, reports, and your account of the stop to evaluate whether there are grounds to challenge the search in your Emeryville drug case.
Simple possession usually refers to having a controlled substance for personal use, while possession for sale involves allegations that you intended to sell or distribute the drug to others. Prosecutors in Emeryville and Alameda County often look at the quantity, packaging, presence of scales or pay-owe sheets, and any statements you made to decide how to charge the case. A small amount in a single container may be treated differently than larger amounts divided into separate baggies. The difference between simple possession and possession for sale is important because penalties for sales-related charges are generally more severe. A conviction for possession for sale can bring longer jail terms, stricter probation, and more serious long-term consequences. Part of a strong defense is challenging the assumption that drugs were for sale when they may have been for personal use, or arguing that items suggesting sales actually belong to someone else.
Not everyone goes to jail for a first-time drug offense in Alameda County. Outcomes depend on factors such as the specific charge, the type and quantity of the drug, your prior record, and whether there are claims of sales or transportation. In some Emeryville cases, especially those involving simple possession, courts may allow diversion, treatment programs, or probation-based resolutions that avoid or significantly limit custody time. However, you should not assume a first offense will automatically be treated lightly. Allegations involving sales, large quantities, or additional charges like weapons can increase the likelihood of harsher penalties. Working with a defense lawyer early can help you pursue options such as diversion, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing that minimize the risk of jail and protect your long-term record, particularly if you are worried about employment or immigration consequences.
Drug charges connected to driving in Emeryville can impact your driver’s license and insurance in several ways. While many possession offenses do not directly trigger automatic license suspensions, related issues such as DUI, refusal of chemical tests, or probation violations can. Insurance companies may also raise premiums or cancel policies if you are convicted of certain offenses. Even if you were not driving at the time of arrest, a criminal record can indirectly affect how insurers view your risk. Because driving is essential for work, school, and family responsibilities, protecting your license is often a key goal in drug-related cases. A defense lawyer can help you understand potential DMV consequences, work to negotiate resolutions that lessen the impact on your driving record, and advise you on steps to reduce insurance fallout. Addressing these issues early is especially important for people who rely on their vehicles to get around Alameda County.
If your rights were violated during an Emeryville drug investigation, there may be grounds to seek dismissal or significant reduction of your case. Common issues include illegal traffic stops, searches without proper consent or probable cause, and violations of your right to remain silent or have counsel. Courts can suppress evidence obtained in violation of constitutional rights, which sometimes leaves prosecutors without enough admissible evidence to proceed. Even when a full dismissal is not possible, exposing rights violations can give you leverage in negotiations, leading to reduced charges or more favorable sentencing terms. A defense lawyer will typically review police reports, body camera footage, and your own account for inconsistencies or unlawful conduct. Raising these issues through legal motions is often a central part of defending drug possession and sales charges in Emeryville and throughout Alameda County.
Drug diversion is a program that allows some people accused of certain drug offenses to complete treatment, classes, or other conditions instead of receiving a traditional conviction. In Alameda County, diversion can sometimes lead to charges being dismissed after successful completion, which helps protect your record. Eligibility often depends on the specific charge, your criminal history, and whether prosecutors see the case as appropriate for a treatment-focused approach. A defense lawyer can help determine whether you might qualify for diversion based on current laws and local practices. Even if formal diversion is not available, similar outcomes may be negotiated, such as deferred entry of judgment or alternative resolutions that emphasize treatment. In Emeryville drug possession and some lower-level sales cases, exploring these options early can be an important part of minimizing long-term consequences and getting support for underlying issues.
The length of a drug possession or sales case in Emeryville varies, but many cases last several months from the first court appearance to final resolution. Factors that influence timing include how quickly police reports and lab results are produced, whether there are legal motions to suppress evidence, and how busy the Alameda County court calendar is. Some straightforward cases resolve in a few hearings, while more complex matters, especially those heading toward trial, can take significantly longer. Throughout the process, there are usually multiple court dates where your presence may be required. A defense lawyer can help manage scheduling, request continuances when necessary, and keep you informed about upcoming obligations. Understanding the likely timeline, and how each step fits into the bigger picture, can reduce anxiety and help you plan work, family obligations, and transportation while your Emeryville case is pending.
Drug convictions can seriously affect immigration status and professional licensing, so it is important to proceed carefully. For non-citizens in Emeryville, certain controlled substance offenses can trigger deportation, make you inadmissible, or block future immigration benefits. Even relatively minor convictions may have consequences under immigration law that are more severe than the criminal penalties themselves. That is why the exact wording of charges and pleas can be very important. Professional licensing boards in fields such as healthcare, education, real estate, and law may also scrutinize drug-related convictions. They can impose discipline, deny licenses, or impose conditions on practice. A defense lawyer who understands these collateral consequences can work to negotiate charges or plea terms that are less damaging to your immigration status or career. Always discuss these concerns early so they can be factored into every decision in your Emeryville case.
Hiring an Oakland criminal defense law firm for an Emeryville drug case offers the advantage of local courtroom familiarity and accessibility. The Law Office of Nabiel C. Ahmed regularly appears in Alameda County courts and understands the procedures, tendencies of local judges, and negotiation styles of prosecutors. This familiarity can help in anticipating how certain arguments may be received and what types of resolutions are realistically available in driving and drug offense cases. Because Emeryville is within the broader Oakland area, an Oakland-based firm can respond quickly to developments, attend hearings without unnecessary delay, and meet with you conveniently. You benefit from a team that knows the local community and has experience handling drug possession and sales allegations arising from traffic stops, home searches, and street encounters throughout the region. That local perspective can be an important part of developing a strategy that fits your circumstances.
