Drug Charges Lawyer in Bellflower, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Bellflower, CA. Everything from manufacturing to simple possession can send you to jail. These charges can include all kinds of substances from cannabis to fentanyl. The fallout from a drug crime conviction can turn your world upside down.
Get help before it's too late. You need Bellflower, CA's premier criminal defense legal team defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Bellflower drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will explore possible defenses, explain your best options, and represent you all the way through trial. To begin building your defense, reach out to our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online right away.
Bellflower, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can learn about what a Bellflower, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, the types of substances considered illegal in Bellflower, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and more.
If you want to read about a particular topic, click on the appropriate link below to skip ahead and learn more:
- Top Reasons to Work With a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Bellflower, CA
- Bellflower, CA, Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Bellflower, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Bellflower
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Bellflower, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Bellflower, CA, Today
- Every Drug Charge Our Attorneys Fight Against
Get Help From a Bellflower, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Bellflower, CA. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning you're risking years in prison.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer without hesitation is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case looks very different from a drug manufacturing case, and your drug defense attorney should have strategies to fight your particular charges.
The second reason to contact a local Bellflower, CA, drug charges lawyer as soon as you've been accused is to lower your chances of doing something you shouldn't. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. Your lawyer can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
On top of that, your drug charges attorney will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Early intervention gives you a head start against the state, and can even give you a better chance of having the court dismiss charges if we can act before the state builds a compelling case.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Bellflower, CA:
When picking a Bellflower, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. 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. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant which can cause intense effects Long term use can dampen the brain's reward pathway. |
| Methamphetamine | A man-made drug that temporarily boosts energy, while harming the body. |
| Opioids | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A very addictive substance, and one of the most dangerous opioids. 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 accusation you're facing. 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 drug and quantity involved.
- Fentanyl carries additional exposure: Proposition 36 (2024) created a list of drugs, including fentanyl, which can trigger felony enhancement if possessed along with a loaded firearm.
- Most of the time, federal drug charges result in harsher, longer sentences.
Every case is unique, and it can be hard to find answers on your own — call us for a free case review and we'll walk you through what you're actually facing.
Marijuana in Bellflower, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which is popularly smoked to get high. While the state used to have laws against its use, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Since California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Bellflower, CA, typically center around when and where it is used. As an 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:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- Typically, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Bellflower, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, we can help. 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 Bellflower, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Bellflower, CA. Whatever charges you are facing, we're ready to defend your innocence. In the sections below, you can learn about different categories of drug crimes and what a lawyer can do to assist you.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
The most common drug charges in Bellflower, CA, are often those related to possession. These can be charged for any illegal substance and these charges can apply in any circumstance where you allegedly owned the illegal drugs, even if you didn't have them physically with you at the time.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Hard Drug Possession
Your Bellflower, CA, drug charges lawyer can help by arguing that the drugs were not actually yours, and can be by your side every step of the way.
Relevant statutes: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under Health and Safety Code 11350, while possession of methamphetamine specifically falls under 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
Accusations of drug production, transportation, and distribution take on the other side of a drug deal: The alleged seller.
- 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 charges are almost always treated more harshly than possession/use charges. 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: HS 11351 covers standard drug dealing charges, formally known as "possession for sale." The exception is methamphetamine, which is covered by HS 11378. As a straight 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. These charges carry longer exposure — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. Unlike simple possession, these charges are generally not eligible for PC 1000 or Prop 36 treatment diversion unless your attorney can negotiate the charge down to simple possession.
Drug Charge Enhancements
California's drug charge enhancement laws cover a variety of situations, but one thing connects them together: They don't qualify on their own. Before you can be charged with an enhancement, there also needs to be an underlying base charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Bellflower, 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 the federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from trafficking to running a drug ring, but normally it will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. Sentences are often more severe, up to and including life imprisonment and substantial fines.
These are some of the most serious charges you can possibly face. And you need a a leading criminal defense lawyer who's prepared to match the federal prosecutor. Our firm will learn your side of the story, develop a strong defense strategy, review evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a positive outcome for your case.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Bellflower, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Bellflower, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases cover a several circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to driving after taking certain medications. One aspect that sets these cases apart is that 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 accused of this type of charge, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Bellflower, CA, DUI defense lawyer who fight on your behalf both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — in most cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
Qualities in a Good Drug Charges Defense Lawyer
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Bellflower, CA, to take your case, it can feel impossible trying to decide the right person to represent you. Your life may depend on it, after all.
Here are the top factors you want to see in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Extensive Experience fighting these cases in court
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your jurisdiction
- A Reputation of Delivering Victories against the state for these charges
- Availability Anytime in case an emergency occurs and you need help
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we embody each of these qualities. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience, including former prosecutors. We know judges and attorneys throughout California. And we have delivered positive results for Californians.
You can trust us to always be upfront with your case, and you can get a hold of us 24/7 if something new develops.
Powerful Drug Crime Accusation Defenses
The statute you violated may not be unique, but your case is. The details are different for every criminal case in Bellflower, CA, and you should have a tailored defense strategy to protect you.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Below are some staunch strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: This can suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained.
- Lack of Intent: Most laws surrounding drugs only make it a crime if you intend to break them.
- Somone Else's Drugs: If the substance in question was, in fact, illegal, but belonged to another person, you shouldn't face possession charges.
- Entrapment: In some cases, if an undercover law enforcement agent coerced you into buying or using illicit drugs, you cannot be held liable for doing so.
- Prescription: This isn't an option for every offense and type of drug, but some accusations can be alleviated if you were legally prescribed the substance.
- Plea Negotiations: Plea negotiations not only reduce the level of charges you're facing, but can also open up diversion avenues.
If someone's accused you of a drug crime in Bellflower, CA, reach out to one of our lawyers today.
Bellflower, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Bellflower has diversion and treatment options available, which your Bellflower, CA, drug charges lawyer can try to utilize in your case. To qualify, defendants must meet legal guidelines. These are some of the :
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. If you participate in this, you can expect to participate in drug education classes, requirements to stay sober, and regular drug testing. The advantage of PC 1000 is that you don't end up with a conviction on your record — after completing the program, the case against you is dismissed. This protects you from many of a conviction's collateral consequences.
Proposition 36 (2024)
Proposition 36, which took effect in December 2024, changed California's approach to repeat drug offenses. It's important to understand that this is a different, newer law than the Proposition 36 passed in 2000, and it approach drug offense diversion from a unique angle.
Under the current 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.
If you're facing this charge, you have a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, you avoid a conviction; 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 increased potential penalties for large quantities of certain substances and added fentanyl to the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements.
Your Bellflower, CA, drug charges lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify for options that keep you out of court, 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 Bellflower, CA, on a work visa, you might have to defend yourself against removal as well as criminal charges — and this is an area where our firm's dual criminal defense and immigration practice gives clients a real advantage.
The federal government can initiate removal proceedings for most drug convictions, with one narrow exception: marijuana charges for no more than 30 grams of the substance, and only intended it for person use, not sale. This applies to 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.
Important factors to be aware of:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is normally enough to qualify for removal, but is not automatically classified as an "aggravated felony" — this means that you'll have access to some important immigration relief options.
- Possession for sale, sale, or trafficking convictions are significantly more serious. They are often considered aggravated felonies, which can trigger mandatory deportation and become a long-lasting problem if you apply to enter the United States again.
- How a charge is pleaded matters enormously. Under Padilla v. Kentucky, defense counsel has a constitutional duty to tell you about these immigration consequences before you make a plea. We will fight for an outcome — such as a plea deal for a different offense, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — that may preserve a client's ability to stay in the country.
Because a criminal record can bring immigration consequences regardless of the sentence, it's important to avoid mistakes from the very start of your case. If you are an immigrant fighting a drug charge, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Drug Allegation Defense Frequently Asked Questions
If my drug charges are dismissed, can anyone still see them?
An arrest can appear on some background checks even without a conviction. 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.
Do I need to answer police questions if I have illegal drugs on me?
No. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent during questioning. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and ask for a lawyer immediately — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can I expunge a previous drug conviction in Bellflower, 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 support from a lawyer who can handle both criminal and immigration defense.
What's the difference between PC 1000 and Proposition 36 diversion?
First-time, simple possession offenses can take advantage of PC 1000. This requires participation in an education program and regular drug testing, but can result in the dismissal of all charges. The 2024 version of Proposition 36 applies to repeat offenders facing a treatment-mandated felony and requires completing a court-supervised treatment program to avoid the felony consequences. Which one applies depends on your charge and criminal history.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Bellflower, CA?
For most first-time possession cases in Bellflower, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. This isn't true for every drug charge in Bellflower, though: More serious allegations like distribution are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
Get Help Now: Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley for a Drug Charges Lawyer in Bellflower, CA
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on partnering with the right defense lawyer. We are ready to take your case.
The Bellflower, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley have experience defending against countless drug crime accusations. We defend all kinds of major criminal charges, including drug crime allegations. We explore every avenue to find the right path forward for our clients.
We also aid with the following legal services in Bellflower, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact your Bellflower drug charges lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a confidential review of your charges.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Bellflower, CA:
- 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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