Drug Charges Lawyer in Alhambra, CA. Whatever drug accusations you're facing in Alhambra, CA, it's not an easy thing to handle. Everything from manufacturing to simple possession can send you to jail. These statutes regulate substances from prescription medications to opioids. Regardless of the type of substance or specific law you're accused of breaking, on your own, you're staring down massive punishments if convicted.
Get help before it's too late. You need Alhambra, CA's leading criminal defense legal team defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Alhambra drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will explore possible defenses, discuss defense tactics, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To start fighting the charges, call our law offices at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation now.
Alhambra, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, we will go over what a Alhambra, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, the types of substances considered illegal in Alhambra, the key factors you want your defense team to have, strategies we may use in your case, and diversionary programs we can help you explore.
To focus on a particular topic, you can use the links below to jump ahead and learn more:
- What Your Alhambra, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Alhambra, CA, Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Categories of Drug Crime Allegations in Alhambra, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Alhambra
- What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Alhambra, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Alhambra, CA, Today
- Every Drug Charge Our Team Will Defend Against
Get Help From a Alhambra, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
Drug charges in Alhambra, CA, always need to be taken seriously. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning there's always a risk of years in prison.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer as soon as possible is to give you an understanding of the accusations. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug trafficking case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to fight your particular charges.
The second reason to call a local Alhambra, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to stop yourself from making a mistake. If you say something incorrect in an interrogation, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. A drug charges defense attorney can help you talk to police the right way, instead of incriminating yourself.
On top of that, your drug charges lawyer will open doors for new strategies through plea negotiations. Acting fast gives you a head start against the state, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Alhambra, CA:
When picking a Alhambra, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who knows how the prosecution treats different drug types. In the following section, we've listed some of the substances against which we have practice defending related charges.
| Drug Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | These include substances like Xanax or Adderall, which aren't supposed to be taken without a doctor's authorization. |
| Ecstacy | A man-made psychoactive drug. Long term use may impair an individual's memory and learning abilities. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant which can cause intense effects Its use can harm the brain, as well as several other organs. |
| Methamphetamine | A stimulant known to affect people's energy levels and emotional stability. |
| Opioids | A category of addictive painkillers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | An extremely dangerous drug made by processing morphine. Courts and prosecutors often treat heroin charges harshly. |
| Fentanyl | An extremely dangerous type of opioid — roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the DEA. |
Penalties vary significantly based on the type of drug, how much there was, your criminal record, and the act you're being accused of. As a general framework:
- Most of the time, if you're only accused of possession and not distributing a drug, the charge will only be a misdemeanor, with a maximum sentence of one year in jail. Different prosecutors may treat some substances in a harsher manner, though.
- Possession for sale, sale, transport, or manufacturing are rarely treated as misdemeanors. They're often felonies, and the sentence can change based on the specific substance and quantity involved.
- Fentanyl is treated extra seriously: Proposition 36 (2024) added fentanyl alongside cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine to a list of drugs that trigger felony enhancement when possessed together with a loaded firearm, and it increased sentencing exposure tied to quantity for several substances.
- Federal charges carry their own, generally harsher, sentencing structure.
Every case is unique, and it can be hard to find answers on your own — call our office for a free case evaluation and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Alhambra, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which contains THC, a chemical compound with psychoactive properties. California used to outlaw the use of marijuana, however, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Because it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) cases in Alhambra, CA, typically center around when and where it is used. For example, you're allowed to grow a small number of plants for personal use, but they must be kept in a private, secure area.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- Typically, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Alhambra, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, your lawyer are ready for your case. For example, we can argue that you were permitted to have cannabis, demonstrate that you did not exceed state limits, and/or show off the proper regulatory procedures which you adhered to.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Alhambra, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Alhambra, CA. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. Read the sections below to learn more about the different categories of charges and how our criminal defense attorneys can help.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Alhambra, CA. These can be charged for any illegal substance and these charges can apply if the drugs are on your person, in your vehicle, or anywhere you would control access to them.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Hard Drug Possession
Your Alhambra, CA, drug charges lawyer fight for illegally obtained evidence to be thrown out, and can be by your side every step of the way.
Relevant statutes: If you're accused of simple possession of a hard drug, you're liking facing charges for allegedly violating Health and Safety Code 11350, while possession of methamphetamine is instead covered by HS 11377. Both are typically charged as misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in county jail, for defendants without disqualifying prior convictions.
Drug Production/Transport/Distribution Charges
Drug dealing allegations are treated much differently than drug possession. They are often given harsher sentences for allegedly making, transporting, and/or selling the substance.
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Cultivation of Marijuana
- Maintaining a Place for Drug Sales/Use
- Drug Trafficking
- Transportation of a Controlled Substance
- Sale of Controlled Substance
- Drug Possession for Sale
These allegations are almost always considered more serious than possession. A positive outcome in these cases is often taking a plea deal for a lesser charge. Your drug crimes defense attorney can help you negotiate a favorable deal.
Relevant statutes: The two main possession for sale charges you will see in Alhambra, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). When charged as a felony, each is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison and fines up to $20,000. HS 11352 converse sale or transportaiont charges for most substances, while HS 11379 does the same for methamphetamine. Sentences for these charges can be even more severe — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. With the help of an experienced Alhambra, CA, drug charges lawyer, you can fight for a plea deal that reduces these charges and opens up diversion opportunities.
Drug Charge Enhancements
California's drug charge enhancement laws may seem very different, but one thing connects them together: They don't exist on their own. In order to be charged with an enhancement, there has to be another criminal accusation.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Alhambra, CA, drug crimes lawyer to defend you in these cases, so that they can fight both the base charge and the enhancement.
Federal Drug Charges
A federal drug charge could fall into any of the three categories above. The difference is that you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Alhambra prosecutor.
These can include anything from production to transportation to running a drug ring, but to get the attention of the federal government, it typically will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. If you're accused of this, you're up against truly severe penalties, such as a life sentence and substantial fines.
If you're accused of a drug crime in federal court, you're up against a lot. And you need a an experienced criminal defense lawyer who's prepared to fight the federal prosecutor. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, develop a strong defense strategy, review evidence, and make every effort to secure a positive outcome for you.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Alhambra, CA
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Alhambra, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. Drug DUI defense cases cover a several situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to driving after taking certain medications. Legal regulations often make these charges more serious than typical DUIs. For example, you can be arrested if there is any amount of THC in your system while driving (as opposed to alcoholwhich only has a "zero tolerance" law people who are underage).
When up against this type of charge, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Alhambra, CA, DUI defense lawyer who will fight your case both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. But you need to act fast — for most DUI cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in Alhambra, CA, it can feel impossible trying to decide which one to represent you. Your life may depend on it, after all.
These are the main qualities you want to find in your drug defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting these cases in court
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A History of Positive Outcomes against the state for these charges
- Availability Anytime so that you can get help when you need it most
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our firm fulfills all of these requirements. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience, including working for the district attorney's office. We have a wide reach with relationships across the state of California. And we have a history of delivering positive outcomes for Californians.
You can trust us to always be upfront with your case, and you can talk to us 24/7 if something new develops.
Powerful Drug Crime Accusation Defenses
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. No two cases in Alhambra, CA, are identical, and you should have a unique defense strategy to match.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Below are some strong strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: By getting evidence thrown out, the case against you can be weakened.
- Lack of Intent: If you did hold or transport illegal drugs, but weren't aware of it, you shouldn't be found guilty because you didn't mean to break the law.
- Somone Else's Drugs: You can argue this if you were present in an area while drugs were there, but they were not yours and you weren't using them.
- Entrapment: In rare cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into buying or using illicit drugs, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- Prescription: Some substances are illegal to possess without a valid prescription, but if you have one, that can excuse you from these charges.
- Plea Negotiations: Not every case can result in a "not guilty" verdict, but there are occasions where a plea deal can lessen the impact of a conviction.
If someone's accused you of a drug crime in Alhambra, CA, contact an attorney at our offices today.
Alhambra, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Alhambra has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Alhambra, CA, drug charges lawyer what you can do to increase your chances of entering one of these programs.
To qualify, defendants must fit certain criteria. Here are a couple of programs that might apply in your case:
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is is an option that can give you a way to stay out of prison without going through a trial. The program typically includes drug education classes, sobriety requirements, and regular drug testing. If you go through the PC 1000 program and complete it without any issues, your original charges are dismissed, keeping a criminal conviction off of your record. This prevents you from going through many of a conviction's collateral consequences.
Proposition 36 (2024)
Proposition 36, as opposed to PC 1000, targets alleged offenders with an existing criminal record. It took its current form in 2024, and it works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the modern version, To qualify, an individual must have at least two prior drug convictions on their record. If so, the new charge can be handled as a "treatment-mandated felony," rather than a misdemeanor as originally charged.
Rather than an automatic alternative to jail, this creates a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, and the case can be dismissed with the arrest sealed; if you don't take this option, you'll have to fight the felony charge, and risking up to three years behind bars. 2024's Proposition 36 also heightened potential drug crime sentences, depending on the quantity and type of substance, and updated firearm-related enhancement laws to include fentanyl on the list of relevant substances.
Your Alhambra, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, help you decide what route to take, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Alhambra, CA, on a work visa, you're facing even more serious consequences than a U.S. citizen — and this is an area where our firm's dual criminal defense and immigration practice gives clients a real advantage.
Most drug charge convictions are grounds for deportation, but there is one narrow exception: a single offense involving possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use. This can impact lawful permanent residents ("green card" holders) as well as visa holders, and it applies even if you weren't given jail time on your conviction.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (for the majority of drugs) is generally grounds for deportation, but is not automatically classified as an "aggravated felony" — a distinction that can preserve certain forms of immigration relief.
- Possession for sale, sale, or trafficking convictions are significantly more serious. They are often considered aggravated felonies, which can trigger mandatory deportation and create barriers to appeals efforts.
- How a charge is pleaded matters enormously. Under Padilla v. Kentucky, defense counsel is supposed to tell you about these immigration consequences before you make a plea. Our firm works hard to find outcomes — such as a plea deal for a different offense, or a disposition that avoids specific "aggravated felony" language — which minimizes your chances of being deported.
Because the conviction, regardless of the sentence, has such a big immigration impact, decisions made early in a criminal case can matter as much as, or more than, the eventual sentence itself. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder up against a drug crime allegation, tell your attorney immediately — this plays a major role in your case, and your lawyer should help you on both fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm not found guilty, do drug charges appear on a background check?
Even if there isn't a criminal conviction, a background check can still show your arrest. Diversion programs such as PC 1000 or Proposition 36 can help. If you participate in one of these, you may be eligible to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — your drug charges defense lawyer can help you navigate these options.
If the police catch me with drugs in my possession, do I have to answer their questions?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Be respectful to the police, but do not provide any information besides your identity, and request counsel immediately — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can I expunge a previous drug conviction in Alhambra, CA?
Many drug convictions can be expunged under Penal Code 1203.4 once probation is successfully completed, though whether or not you are eligible can be affected by the specific charge and your previous conviction record. An expungement does not erase a conviction for federal immigration purposes, which is why non-citizens need to work with an experienced drug crimes attorney who also practices immigration law.
What's the difference between PC 1000 and Proposition 36 diversion?
PC 1000 is available for qualifying first-time or low-level possession offenses and leads to dismissal after completing education and testing requirements. If you have previous drug-charge convictions on your record, you're more likely to be eligible for Proposition 36 (2024): This would be a felony charge, but offers a court-supervised treatment program to have the case dismissed. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Alhambra, CA?
Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is typically a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. This isn't true for every drug charge in Alhambra, though: More serious allegations like trafficking are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Alhambra, CA, Today
These charges need to be treated seriously Your future matters, and it depends on working with the right lawyer. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Alhambra, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley takes advantage of every opportunity we find to deliver positive results for clients. We are prepared to defend you against a variety of drug charges, both misdemeanor and felony. We explore every avenue to find the right path forward for our clients.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Alhambra, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to your Alhambra drug defense attorney now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to schedule a no-strings case evaluation.
Every Drug Charge Our Lawyers Defend Against:
- Bringing Drugs into a Jail or Prison
- Cocaine
- Cultivation of Marijuana
- Drug Crimes with Firearm Enhancements
- Drug Diversion Programs
- Drug-Free School Zone Violations
- Drug Possession for Sale
- Drug Trafficking
- Ecstasy
- Federal Drug Charges
- Fentanyl
- Fentanyl-Specific Enhancements
- Hard Drug Possession
- Heroin
- Illegal Search and Seizure Defense in Drug Cases
- Maintaining a Place for Drug Sales/Use (HS 11366)
- Manufacturing or Producing Controlled Substances
- Marijuana
- Marijuana Charges
- Methamphetamine
- Opioids
- PC 1000 Drug Diversion
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Prescription Drugs
- Proposition 36
- Sale of Controlled Substance
- Transportation of a Controlled Substance
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (HS 11350)
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