Drug Charges Lawyer in Cerritos, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Cerritos, CA. Everything from manufacturing to simple possession can send you to jail. These laws regulate substances from methamphetamine to fentanyl. The fallout from a drug crime conviction can turn your world upside down.
Get help before it's too late. You need Cerritos, CA's leading criminal defense attorney on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Cerritos drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will research the statute in detail, explain your best options, and represent you all the way through trial. To begin building your defense, contact our law offices at (800) 755-5174 or ask about a free case review online right away.
Cerritos, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can learn about how a Cerritos, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, the types of substances considered illegal in Cerritos, the qualities your attorney should have, strategies we may use in your case, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Cerritos.
If you want to read about a specific topic, click on the appropriate link below to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- Top Reasons to Work With a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Cerritos, CA
- Popular Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Categories of Drug Charges in Cerritos, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Cerritos
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Cerritos, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Cerritos, CA, Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Firm Will Fight Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Cerritos, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Cerritos, CA. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning you can always face felony consequences.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer as soon as possible is to explain the charges. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a possession-for-sale case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to fight each.
The second reason to call a local Cerritos, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process is to lower your chances of doing something you shouldn't. If you say something incorrect in an interrogation, the charges could be elevated and the state's case strengthened. Your attorney can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
On top of that, your drug charges lawyer 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 we act early enough.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Cerritos, CA:
When deciding on a Cerritos, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. Below, you can read about 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 synthetic drug closely related to methamphetamine. Use can cause both mood and psychedelic effects. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug derived from a South American plant 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 | An extremely dangerous drug made by processing morphine. The state tends to impose harsh penalties in heroin cases. |
| 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. |
Potential legal consequences vary significantly based on the type of drug, quantity, any prior convictions, and whether the charge is possession, possession-for-sale, or sale/transport. For some typical accusations:
- 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 amount 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.
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 get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Cerritos, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from a plant leaf. Smoking marijuana used to be illegal in California, but in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, letting people use it recreationally.
Because California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) cases in Cerritos, CA, typically 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:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- In most cases, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Cerritos, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of 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 make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Charges a Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Will Fight in Cerritos, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Cerritos, 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 Cerritos, 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 Cerritos, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, and can advocate for diversionary programs to keep you out of jail.
Relevant statutes: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under Health and Safety Code 11350, while possession of methamphetamine is instead covered by HS 11377. Generally, these possession charges are handled as misdemeanors.
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 drug crimes defense lawyer can help you negotiate a plea to a less serious offense.
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. 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. With the help of an experienced Cerritos, 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 all have one thing in common: 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 Cerritos, 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 isn't a 'category' in the same way that the above types of charges are. The distinction is that you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Cerritos 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. The penalties are often much harsher, up to and including life imprisonment and substantial fines.
It's hard to think of many charges worse to face than this. And you need a a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with the resources to battle the federal prosecutor. Our team of attorneys will protect your rights, develop a strong defense strategy, challenge evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a positive outcome for your case.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Cerritos, CA
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases can include a several situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. 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 accused of drug DUI charges, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Cerritos, CA, DUI defense lawyer who argue for you 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.
How to Find the Right Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Cerritos, CA, to take your case, it can be overwhelming 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 find in your drug defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting against these charges
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your jurisdiction
- A History 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 can deliver on all of these needs. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience, including former prosecutors. We offer legal services throughout California. And we have delivered many victories for our clients.
You can trust us to always be upfront with your case, and you can call us 24/7 if something new develops.
Powerful Drug Crime Accusation Defenses
The statute you violated may not be unique, but your case is. Everyone in the Cerritos, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a customized defense strategy to protect you.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Here are some strong 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.
- 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: 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 someone's accused you of a drug crime in Cerritos, CA, reach out to one of our lawyers today.
Cerritos, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Cerritos has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Cerritos, 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. These are some of the :
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, sobriety requirements, 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 prevents you from going through many of a conviction's collateral consequences.
Proposition 36 (2024)
Proposition 36 is another diversion program, designed to help people accused of repeat drug offenses. It was passed in 2024, and is distinct from a previous version of Proposition 36 passed in 2000. It works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the modern rules, 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 case can be dismissed with the arrest sealed; fail or refuse treatment, and you face the felony charge, including up to three years in custody. 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 Cerritos, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, advocate for that path where it's available, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you might have to defend yourself against removal as well as criminal charges — 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: 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 can be a factor independent of whether or not the conviction includes a jail sentence.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (for the majority of drugs) is normally 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 with little to no opportunity for relief or future re-entry.
- How a charge is pleaded matters enormously. Under Padilla v. Kentucky, defense counsel is supposed to inform you about these immigration implications prior to entering your plea. An attorney who understands both sides can negotiate a resolution — such as a plea to a non-drug offense, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — which minimizes your chances of being deported.
Because immigration consequences are triggered by conviction, not just 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 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.
Drug Charge Frequently Asked Questions
If my drug charges are dismissed, can anyone still see them?
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 — an attorney can help you explore these options.
Do I have to talk to police if I'm caught with drugs?
No. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent during questioning. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and ask for an attorney immediately — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Cerritos, CA?
If you were given probation, you may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, though eligibility depends on the specific charge and your record. 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 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. To learn more about how to explore these paths, speak to an attorney today.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Cerritos, CA?
For most first-time possession cases in Cerritos, 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.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Cerritos, CA, Today
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 attorney. We are ready to take your case.
The Cerritos, 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.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Cerritos, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Cerritos drug charges lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a no-strings review of your charges.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Cerritos, 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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