Drug Charges Lawyer in Blythe, CA. There's no such thing as a "good" drug charge to be accused of in Blythe, CA. It's possible for what could be a simple possession charge to be elevated into possession for sale or even trafficking. These charges can include all kinds of substances from marijuana to fentanyl. But they all share one thing in common: Major legal consequences.
You need someone who can guide you to a positive outcome. You need Blythe, CA's premier criminal defense law firm defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Blythe drug charges lawyers will be by your side from day one. We will research the statute in detail, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and represent you all the way through trial. To start fighting the charges, reach out to our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online now.
Blythe, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, we will go over how a Blythe, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, the types of substances considered illegal in Blythe, the qualities your attorney should have, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and diversionary programs we can help you explore.
To focus on a specific topic, you can use the links in the list below to skip ahead and learn more:
- Top Reasons to Work With a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Blythe, CA
- Popular Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Blythe, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Blythe
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Possible Defenses That We Use in Drug Cases
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Blythe, CA, Today
- Every Drug Charge Our Attorneys Defend Against
Get Help From a Blythe, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Blythe, CA, it's a big deal, no matter what. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning there's always a risk of 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 needs a different strategy than a drug trafficking case, and your drug defense attorney needs to know how to defend against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to get in touch with a local Blythe, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to stop yourself from making a mistake. After a police interview without proper legal representation, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. Your attorney can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
Finally, your drug charges attorney will open doors for new strategies through plea negotiations. Connecting with a lawyer early lets us build a defense before the prosecution has completed its case, and we can even move to dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Common Drug Types in Blythe, CA, Legal Cases:
When you work with a Blythe, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. Below, we've listed what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Blythe, CA.
| Drug Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | Charges often revolve around having a technically legal drug without permission, or selling it to someone you aren't supposed to. |
| Ecstacy | A man-made psychoactive drug. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| 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 class of drugs, including both prescription medications and fully illegal types. 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 | One of the most dangerous forms of opioids — roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the DEA. |
Penalties vary significantly based on substance, how much there was, any prior convictions, and the type of charge. As an overview:
- 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 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.
- 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 our office for a free case review and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Blythe, 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, letting people use it recreationally.
Because California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Blythe, CA, frequently have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. For example, it's legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational use, but growing a seventh is a crime.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- Typically, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Blythe, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're up against marijuana-related charges, we are ready for your case. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, demonstrate that you did not exceed state limits, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Blythe, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley are an experienced group of drug defense lawyers serving the Blythe, CA, area. We help defendants fight against all kinds of drug crime allegations. 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
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Blythe, CA. They cover a wide range of substances and these charges can apply regardless of where the drugs were physically at, as long as you controlled them.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Hard Drug Possession
Your Blythe, 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: Health and Safety Code 11350 covers most hard drug possession accusations, while possession of methamphetamine has its own specific statute in HS 11377. In most cases, the prosecution will choose to treat these as misdemeanors, limiting the potential sentence to one year in jail.
Drug Production/Transport/Distribution Charges
While drug possession and use charges target the buyer, drug production, transportation, and distribution charges target the 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
A conviction of one of these charges typically means a much longer prison sentence than for simple 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: HS 11351 covers standard drug dealing charges, formally known as "possession for sale." The exception is methamphetamine, which is covered by HS 11378. When charged as a felony, each is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison and fines up to $20,000. Sale or transportation for sale is charged under HS 11352 (most substances) or HS 11379 (methamphetamine). These charges carry longer exposure — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. With the help of an experienced Blythe, 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 cover a variety of situations, but they share one common attribute: They don't qualify on their own. To be charged with an enhancement, you first need to face a different criminal charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Blythe, 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 can come from any category of alleged drug offense. What sets these apart is that the U.S. government is prosecuting you, not just the Blythe district attorney.
These can include anything from manufacturing to taking part in a drug conspiracy, but most often will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. The penalties are often much harsher, up to and including life imprisonment 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 United States government. Our team of attorneys will learn your side of the story, develop a strong defense strategy, review evidence, and make every effort to secure a positive result for your case.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Blythe, CA
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases cover a several circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. What's worse, you can be arrested if there is any amount of THC in your system while driving (as opposed to alcohol).
When accused of this type of charge, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Blythe, CA, DUI defense lawyer who will fight your case both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. But you need to act fast — in most cases, if you wait longer than ten days to request a hearing, you lose your chance.
Qualities in a Good Drug Charges Defense Lawyer
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in Blythe, CA, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one to represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
Here are the top factors you want to find in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Vast Experience defending clients in your situation
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your jurisdiction
- A History of Positive Outcomes versus the prosecution in drug cases
- Availability Anytime so that you can get help when you need it most
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we can deliver on all of these needs. We have over five decades of combined legal experience, including working for the district attorney's office. We offer legal services throughout 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 call us 24/7 if something new develops.
Ways Our Lawyers Defend Against Drug Charges
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. The details are different for every criminal case in Blythe, CA, and you should have a unique defense strategy to protect you.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Here are some of the possible 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.
- Didn't Belong to You: This defense can be used if there were, in fact, drugs present, but you had no control or ownership over them.
- Entrapment: In some cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into buying or using illicit drugs, you can be found innocent of the criminal charges.
- 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 you're facing drug crime charges in Blythe, CA, and need help, get in touch with one of our attorneys for immediate help.
Blythe, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Blythe has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Blythe, CA, drug charges lawyer what you can do to increase your chances of entering one of these programs.
To qualify, defendants must meet legal guidelines. Here are a couple of programs that might apply in your case:
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is a very desirable outcome for many people facing drug charges. The program typically includes 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 helps you avoid 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 approach drug offense diversion from a unique angle.
Under the modern version, what was originally a misdemeanor charge can be instead charged as a "treatment-mandated felony." This is only an option if the accused person has two or more previous drug-related convictions on their record.
If you're facing this charge, you have a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, and the underlying drug charge case is dropped (the arrest record will remain, but is sealed); if you don't take this option, you'll have to fight the felony charge, with a prison sentence of up to three years. 2024's Proposition 36 also increased potential penalties for large quantities of certain substances and updated firearm-related enhancement laws to include fentanyl on the list of relevant substances.
Your Blythe, CA, drug charges lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify for legal alternatives, explore sentencing and charge alternatives with you, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a drug conviction can be far more damaging than the criminal penalty alone — fortunately, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is experienced in both criminal defense and immigration law.
The federal government can initiate removal proceedings for most drug convictions, with a sole 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.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is normally a deportable offense, 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 create barriers to appeals efforts.
- 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. An attorney who understands both sides can negotiate a resolution — 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, 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 facing any drug charge, tell your attorney immediately — this plays a major role in your case, and your lawyer should help you on both fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a drug charge show up on a background check even if the case is dismissed?
Even if you're not convicted of the underlying charge, a background check can still show the arrest. If your case is resolved through PC 1000 or a completed Prop 36 treatment program, you may be able to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — ask your attorney what applies to your specific case.
If the police catch me with drugs in my possession, do I have to answer their questions?
No. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent during questioning. Be respectful to the police, but do not provide any information besides your identity, and ask for an attorney immediately — if you say the wrong thing, you could end up facing harsher charges.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Blythe, CA?
If you were given probation, you may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, though this can be affected based on the charge you were convicted of, and any previous convictions. This isn't as definitive of an answer in regards to immigration, though: The federal government will still be able to see the conviction, which is why non-citizens need immigration-aware counsel handling both the criminal case and any later cleanup.
What's the difference between PC 1000 and Proposition 36 diversion?
The main difference is in who can apply to each program: For PC 1000, first-time, low-level possession alleged offenders can get the charges dropped through a treatment and drug testing program. 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. To learn more about how to explore these paths, speak to an attorney today.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Blythe, CA?
For most first-time possession cases in Blythe, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. Distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are different, though: These are normally treated as felonies, even for a first-time offender.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Be Your Blythe, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
These charges need to be treated seriously It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on picking the right defense attorney. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Blythe, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley have experience defending against countless drug crime accusations. We have former prosecutors on our team who know how the state builds its case. We explore every avenue to find the right path forward for our clients.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Blythe, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Blythe drug defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential review of your case.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Blythe, 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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