Drug Charges Lawyer in Cerritos, CA. Drug crimes in Cerritos, CA, come in many forms. Everything from manufacturing to simple possession can send you to jail. These statutes regulate substances from methamphetamine to opioids. But they all share one thing in common: Major legal consequences.
Get help before it's too late. You need Cerritos, CA's leading criminal defense lawyer on your case. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Cerritos drug charges lawyers will be by your side from day one. We will give you honest advice, explain your best options, and stand by you in front of the judge and jury if your case reaches a trial. To begin building your defense, contact us at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form today.
Cerritos, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, 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 more.
To focus on a particular topic, click on the appropriate link in the list below to jump ahead and learn more:
- Top Reasons to Work With a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Cerritos, CA
- Common Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Cerritos, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Cerritos
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Cerritos, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Cerritos, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Team Will Defend Against
The Importance of a Cerritos, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Cerritos, CA. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning you're risking an extended stay in jail.
The first reason you should work with 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 fight against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to get in touch with a local Cerritos, CA, drug charges lawyer as soon as you've been accused is to protect yourself from mistakes. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. A drug charges defense attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
On top of that, your drug charges attorney will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Acting fast gives you a head start against the state, and we can even move to dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Cerritos, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties:
When you work with a Cerritos, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should pick somone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. Below, we've outlined 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. 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 | Synthetic stimulant originally used to improve focus, but with serious side effects. |
| Opioids | A category of addictive painkillers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A very addictive substance, and one of the most dangerous opioids. 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, how much there was, your criminal record, and the type of charge. As an overview:
- Simple possession of most controlled substances is typically charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail, though certain substances and circumstances can elevate this.
- Possession for sale, sale, transport, or manufacturing are are more serious charges. Most accusations are 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.
- Most of the time, federal drug charges result in harsher, longer sentences.
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 Cerritos, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from a plant leaf. California used to outlaw the use of marijuana, however, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, letting people use it recreationally.
Since California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) allegations in Cerritos, CA, frequently center around when and where it is used. As an example, driving with an open package of marijuana is illegal, even if you are sober.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- Typically, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Cerritos, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, we are ready for your case. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Cerritos, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Cerritos, CA. Whatever charges you are facing, we're ready to defend your innocence. 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 Cerritos, 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 Cerritos, 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: Health and Safety Code 11350 covers most hard drug possession accusations, while possession of methamphetamine is instead covered by 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: The two main possession for sale charges you will see in Cerritos, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). 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. If convicted, you are looking at an even harsher sentence — 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 can be very different from each other, but they share one common attribute: 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 difference is that the U.S. government is prosecuting you, not just the Cerritos district attorney.
These can include anything from production to transportation to running a drug ring, but normally it will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. If you're accused of this, you're up against truly severe penalties, 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 a leading criminal defense lawyer with the resources to fight the United States government. Our office will protect your rights, research applicable laws, challenge evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a positive outcome for you.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Cerritos, CA
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Cerritos, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. Drug DUI defense cases cover a several circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. One aspect that sets these cases apart is that you can be taken into custody if there is any amount of THC in your system while driving (as opposed to alcohol).
When facing drug DUI charges, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need a leading Cerritos, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. But you need to act fast — in most cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
How to Find the Right Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Cerritos, CA, to take your case, it can feel impossible trying to decide which one to represent you. With so much at stake, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
These are the main qualities you want to see in your drug allegations 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 Track Record of Positive Outcomes versus the prosecution in drug cases
- 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 five decades of combined legal experience, including former prosecutors. We have a wide reach with relationships across the state of California. And we have delivered many victories for Californians.
We don't make false promises about your case, and you can talk to us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
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 unique defense plan to protect you.
While we use some common base strategies, we'll build your defense out to fit your unique circumstances. 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 police officer coerced you into breaking a drug law, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- Prescription: These defenses hinge on your medical status, and if a doctor prescribed you a given substance.
- 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've been accused of a drug crime in Cerritos, CA, contact the Law Offices of David S. Chesley 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 often a very helpful, positive outcome for individuals accused of simple possession. If you participate in this, you can expect to participate in 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 takes a different approach than a typical diversion program.
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.
While this doesn't automatically keep people out of jail, it creates 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, with a prison sentence of up to three years. 2024's Proposition 36 also heightened potential drug crime sentences, depending on the quantity and type of substance, and added fentanyl to the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements.
Your Cerritos, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, advocate for that path where it's available, and stand by your side no matter which route you take.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Cerritos, CA, on a work visa, 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 one specific 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 can be a factor independent of whether or not the conviction includes a jail sentence.
Important factors to be aware of:
- Simple possession for personal use (for the majority of drugs) is generally 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 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 deal for a different offense, or a disposition that avoids specific "aggravated felony" language — which minimizes your chances of being deported.
Because the conviction, regardless of the sentence, has such a big immigration impact, it's important to avoid mistakes from the very start of your case. If you are an immigrant facing any drug crime allegation, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Drug Allegation Defense 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. Diversion programs such as PC 1000 or Proposition 36 can help. If you participate in one of these, you may be able 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. Be respectful to the police, but do not provide any information besides your identity, and ask for an attorney immediately — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Cerritos, CA?
Many drug convictions can be expunged under Penal Code 1203.4 once probation is successfully completed, 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 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.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Cerritos, CA?
Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is typically a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. Possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are generally felonies regardless of prior record.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Be Your Cerritos, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." Your future matters, and it depends on working with the right attorney. Fortunately, we're here to help.
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 will always be honest with you and will fight for the best outcome possible.
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 crimes defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free review of your case.
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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