Drug Charges Lawyer in Carson, CA. Drug crimes in Carson, CA, come in many forms. Possession of a controlled substance is bad enough, but it's even worse if you're charged with dealing or distributing drugs. These charges can include all kinds of substances from marijuana to fentanyl. 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.
Stop these charges before it becomes a worst-case scenario. You need Carson, CA's premier criminal defense lawyer in your corner. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Carson drug charges lawyers will be by your side from day one. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, discuss defense tactics, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To begin building your defense, reach out to our lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or ask about a free case review online right away.
Carson, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, we will go over the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Carson, CA, categories of drug crime allegations in Carson, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Carson.
To learn about a particular topic, click on the appropriate link in the following menu to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- The Importance of Working With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Carson, CA
- Common Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Categories of Drug Charges in Carson, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Carson
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Carson, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight Against
Get Help From a Carson, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Carson, CA. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning there's always a risk of felony consequences.
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 takes a different set of skills than a drug trafficking case, and your drug defense attorney should have strategies to defend against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to get in touch with a local Carson, CA, drug charges lawyer first thing in your case is to protect yourself from mistakes. After a police interview without proper legal representation, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. A drug charges attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
Additionally, your drug charges attorney will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Early intervention prevents the state from getting a lead on you, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Carson, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties:
When deciding on a Carson, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should pick somone 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 | While most prescription drugs are technically legal, it can be illegal to possess or use them without permission. |
| Ecstacy | Also known as MDMA, Molly, and E. This affects the brain's ability to process serotonin. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug derived from a South American plant Long term use can dampen the brain's reward pathway. |
| Methamphetamine | A stimulant known to affect people's energy levels and emotional stability. |
| Opioids | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | An extremely dangerous drug made by processing morphine. 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, quantity, prior record, and the act you're being accused of. For some typical accusations:
- 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 typically charged as felonies, and the sentence can change based on the specific substance and amount involved.
- Fentanyl cases are particularly harsh: Proposition 36 (2024) created a list of drugs, including fentanyl, which can trigger felony enhancement if possessed along with a loaded firearm.
- 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 us for a free case evaluation and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Carson, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which contains THC, a chemical compound with psychoactive properties. Smoking marijuana used to be illegal in California, but in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Since California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Carson, CA, typically often revolve around who was using it and whether that person was exceeding legal limits. 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
- Generally, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Carson, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're up against marijuana-related charges, your lawyer are ready for your case. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Carson, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Carson, CA. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. 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 Carson, CA. They cover a wide range of substances 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 Carson, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, 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. Generally, these possession charges are handled as misdemeanors.
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 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. For these felony charges, 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 Carson, 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 can be very different from each other, but all have one thing in common: They don't qualify on their own. Before you can be charged with an enhancement, you first need to face a different criminal charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Carson, 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 manufacturing to taking part in a drug conspiracy, but to get the attention of the federal government, it typically will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. The penalties are often much harsher, 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 a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who has the strength to match the United States government. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, research applicable laws, dissect the case against you, and do whatever we can to secure a positive outcome for you.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Carson, CA
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases can include a many different 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 alcohol).
When facing drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a leading Carson, CA, DUI defense lawyer who will fight your case both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — in most cases, you need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest.
How to Find the Right Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Carson, CA, to take your case, it can feel impossible trying to decide the right person to represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
These are the main qualities you want to look for in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Extensive Experience fighting against these charges
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Relationships at the courts in your jurisdiction
- A Reputation of Delivering Victories when fighting drug charges for clients
- Availability Anytime because emergencies don't always happen in business hours
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our firm fulfills all of these requirements. We have over five decades of combined legal experience, including working for the district attorney's office. We know judges and attorneys throughout California. And we have delivered positive results for Californians.
We don't make false promises about your case, and you can call us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
The statute you violated may not be unique, but your case is. Everyone in the Carson, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, 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 compelling strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: This can suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained.
- 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 violating the law, 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: In some cases, where it's not reasonable for the alleged offender to have the charges dropped entirely, a positive outcome can still be achieved through a plea deal.
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Carson, CA, contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley today.
Carson, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Carson has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Carson, CA, drug charges lawyer about whether or not they apply to your case. 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 often a very helpful, positive outcome for individuals accused of simple possession. The program typically includes drug education classes, sobriety requirements, and regular drug testing. The main reason people like to take advantage of PC 1000 is it prevents a conviction from going on 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 takes a different approach than a typical diversion program.
Under the current law, individuals with two or more prior drug convictions can now be charged with a "treatment-mandated felony" for offenses that might otherwise have been charged as misdemeanors. If you're facing this charge, you have 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, including up to three years in custody. The law 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 Carson, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony 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 Carson, CA, on a work visa, you're facing even more serious consequences than a U.S. citizen — you need a law firm who can help you fight the criminal charges and defend you in immigration court, if necessary.
Most drug charge convictions are grounds for deportation, but there is a sole exception: a single offense involving possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use. 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 (for the majority of drugs) is normally a deportable offense, 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 not treated as lightly. They are typically classified as 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 required to inform you about these immigration implications prior to entering your plea. Our firm works hard to find outcomes — such as a plea to a non-drug offense, or a disposition that avoids specific "aggravated felony" language — that defends your legal status in the country, as well as your criminal record.
Because the conviction, regardless of the sentence, has such a big immigration impact, you need to get expert help as soon as you're aware of an investigation. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder fighting a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Drug Allegation Defense Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm not found guilty, do drug charges appear on a background check?
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 — an attorney can help you explore these options.
Do I have to talk to police if I'm caught with drugs?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and ask for a lawyer right away — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in Carson, 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. The conviction can still potentially be used as grounds for deportation, though, 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. The 2024 version of Proposition 36 functions differently: It allows what ordinarily would be charged as misdemeanors to now be charged as felonies, if you have prior drug convictions on your record. However, it also allows for a court-mandated treatment program, completion of which results in the dismissal of felony charges. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Carson, CA?
For most first-time possession cases in Carson, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. Possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are generally felonies regardless of prior record.
Don't Gamble With Your Freedom: Talk to Our Carson, CA, Drug Charges Lawyers Today
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges Your freedom is important, and it depends on working with the right lawyer. Fortunately, we're here to help.
The Carson, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley have experience defending against countless drug crime accusations. We have relationships in courts across California. We explore every avenue to find the right path forward for our clients.
We also aid with the following legal services in Carson, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Carson drug crimes defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to schedule a free review of your case.
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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