Drug Charges Lawyer in Century City, CA. There's no such thing as a "good" drug charge to be accused of in Century City, CA. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These statutes regulate substances from methamphetamine 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 Century City, CA's leading criminal defense lawyer defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Century City drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will explore possible defenses, explain your best options, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To start fighting the charges, contact our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation now.
Century City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can read about how a Century City, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, different types of charges you might face, the key factors you want your defense team to have, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Century City.
If you want to read about a specific topic, you can use the links in the list below to skip ahead and learn more:
- The Importance of Working With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Century City, CA
- Common Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Crime Allegations in Century City, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Century City
- What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Century City, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Allegation FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Century City, CA, Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Attorneys Defend Against
The Importance of a Century City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
Drug charges in Century City, 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 an extended stay in jail.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer as soon as possible is to explain the charges. A simple possession case looks very different from a drug trafficking case, and your drug defense attorney needs to know how to defend each.
The second reason to call a local Century City, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process is to protect yourself from mistakes. If you say something incorrect in an interrogation, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. A drug charges lawyer can help you talk to police the right way, instead of incriminating yourself.
On top of that, your drug charges attorney will open doors for new strategies through plea negotiations. Early intervention prevents the state from getting a lead on you, and we can even move to dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Common Drug Types in Century City, CA, Legal Cases:
When deciding on a Century City, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney 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 Century City, 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 | Also known as MDMA, Molly, and E. Long term use may impair an individual's memory and learning abilities. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug that can be either a powdered form or a solid rock (Crack) 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. |
Sentences vary significantly by the type of drug, how much there was, any prior convictions, and whether the charge is possession, possession-for-sale, or sale/transport. As an overview:
- As long as you are only accused of simple possession, you can typically expect misdemeanor charges. These carry a maximum jail sentence of one year. However, keep in mind misdemeanor charges aren't a guarantee, and prosecutors treat some substances more harshly than others.
- 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) 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.
- If the federal government accuses you of a drug crime, the potential penalties are often more serious.
Because the numbers shift based on the specific facts of a case, the exact exposure you're facing should be evaluated by an attorney who can review your charge sheet and criminal history — call our office for a free case evaluation and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Century City, 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 Century City, CA, frequently often revolve around who was using it and whether that person was exceeding legal limits. As an 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
- In most cases, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Century City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, our attorneys are ready for your case. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, show that you did not violate any regulations, and/or make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Charges a Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Will Fight in Century City, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Century City, 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
The most common drug charges in Century City, CA, are often those related to possession. They cover a wide range of substances 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 Century City, CA, drug charges lawyer fight for illegally obtained evidence to be thrown out, and can protect your freedom through diversionary programs, if applicable.
Relevant statutes: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under Health and Safety Code 11350, while possession of methamphetamine specifically falls under 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
These allegations are almost always considered more serious than possession. On top of fighting the charges, your drug defense attorney can help you explore plea deals, if they make sense for your case.
Relevant statutes: The two main possession for sale charges you will see in Century City, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). As a straight felony, each is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison and fines up to $20,000. Sale and transportation for sale charges are divided in a similar way: HS 11352 (most substances) vs. HS 11379 (methamphetamine). Sentences for these charges can be even more severe — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. A drug charges laywer who can negotiate your charges down is essential, if you want to become eligible for common diversion programs like PC 1000 or Proposition 36.
Drug Charge Enhancements
California's drug charge enhancement laws may seem very different, but all have one thing in common: They don't qualify on their own. Before you can be charged with an enhancement, there has to be another criminal accusation.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Century City, 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. The distinction is that you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Century City prosecutor.
These can include anything from manufacturing to drug smuggling, 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 with the resources to battle the United States government. Our office will learn your side of the story, look for legal loopholes, challenge evidence, and make every effort to secure a positive result for you.
Century City, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Century City, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases cover a several situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by prescribed medication. 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 alcohol).
When accused of drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Century City, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — for most DUI accusations, if you wait longer than ten days to request a hearing, you lose your chance.
How to Find the Right Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in Century City, CA, it can be overwhelming trying to decide who will best represent you. Your life may depend on it, after all.
These are the main qualities you want to look for in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting these cases in court
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A Track Record of Positive Outcomes against the state for these charges
- Availability Anytime because emergencies don't always happen in business hours
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we embody each of these qualities. We have over five decades of combined courtroom experience, including former prosecutors. We offer legal services throughout California. And we have a history of delivering positive outcomes for our clients.
We will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can call us 24/7 if something new develops.
Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. The details are different for every criminal case in Century City, CA, and you should have a customized defense strategy to match.
While we use some common base strategies, we'll build your defense out to fit your unique circumstances. Here are some compelling strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If the police searched you, your vehicle, or your dwelling without either probable cause or a warrant, that evidence can be thrown out.
- Lack of Intent: Most laws surrounding drugs only make it a crime if you intend to break them.
- Not Your 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 officer coerced you into buying or using illicit drugs, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- 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: 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've been accused of a drug crime in Century City, CA, contact our firm for immediate help.
Century City, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Century City has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Century City, CA, drug charges lawyer about whether or not they apply to your case. To qualify, defendants must fit certain criteria. Below are two of the most relevant programs:
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. 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 helps you avoid 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 takes a different approach than a typical diversion program.
Under the current law, 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.
While this doesn't automatically keep people out of jail, it creates a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, you avoid a conviction; you can opt to refuse treatment, but you'll be up against the underlying felony charge, including up to three years in custody. 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 Century City, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, help you decide what route to take, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
How a Drug Conviction in Century City, CA, Affects Immigration Status
For immigrants in Century City, CA, 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.
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 can affect lawful permanent residents ("green card" holders) as well as visa holders, and it applies regardless of whether the state court sentence includes any jail time.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is normally a deportable offense, but is not automatically classified as an "aggravated felony" — meaning that you likely won't lose access to certain modes of immigration relief.
- Possession for sale, sale, or trafficking convictions are far more likely to be treated 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 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 a non-citizen facing any drug case, tell your attorney immediately — this plays a major role in your case, and your lawyer should help you on both fronts.
Drug Charge Frequently Asked Questions
Will a drug charge show up on a background check even if the case is dismissed?
Even if there isn't a criminal conviction, a background check can still show your 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 — an attorney can help you explore 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 but firmly refuse to answer any questions outside of providing your identity, and ask for an attorney right away — if you say the wrong thing, you could end up facing harsher charges.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in Century City, 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 green card and visa holders need support from a lawyer who can handle both criminal and immigration defense.
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.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Century City, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Century City, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. This isn't true for every drug charge in Century City, though: More serious allegations like trafficking 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 Century City, CA
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges Your freedom is important, and it depends on partnering with the right law firm. Fortunately, we're here to help.
The Century City, 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 will always be honest with you and will fight for the best outcome possible.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Century City, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to your Century City drug crimes defense attorney right away at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online 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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