Drug Charges Lawyer in Compton, CA. Whatever drug accusations you're facing in Compton, CA, it's not an easy thing to handle. It's possible for what could be a simple possession charge to be elevated into possession for sale or even trafficking. These laws regulate substances from marijuana to heroin. 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.
Get help before it's too late. You need Compton, CA's leading criminal defense law firm in your corner. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Compton drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will research the statute in detail, 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, reach out to our team at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation today.
Compton, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you can learn about how a Compton, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, different types of charges you might face, the qualities your attorney should have, strategies we may use in your case, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Compton.
To learn about a particular topic, you can use the links in the following menu to skip ahead and learn more:
- The Importance of Working With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Compton, CA
- Compton, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Compton, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Compton
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- Compton, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Contact Your Compton, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- Every Drug Charge Our Team Will Defend Against
The Importance of a Compton, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Compton, CA, it's a big deal, no matter what. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning you're risking felony consequences.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer right away is to give you an understanding of the accusations. A simple possession case takes a different set of skills than a possession-for-sale case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to defend each.
The second reason to contact a local Compton, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to lower your chances of doing something you shouldn't. 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.
Lastly, your drug charges lawyer will open doors for new strategies through plea negotiations. Connecting with a lawyer early gives you a head start against the state, and we can even move to dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Compton, CA:
When you work with a Compton, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. In the following section, you can read about 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 | A synthetic drug closely related to methamphetamine. Use can cause both mood and psychedelic effects. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant that can be either a powdered form or a solid rock (Crack) 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 | 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, quantity, prior record, and the act you're being accused of. As a general framework:
- 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 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.
- Federal charges carry their own, generally harsher, sentencing structure.
There's no simple method to tell what kind of sentence you're facing based on your charges. Our drug defense attorneys can help — call us for a free case evaluation and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Compton, 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.
Because it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) allegations in Compton, CA, frequently have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. As an example, you're allowed to grow a small number of plants for personal use, but they must be kept in a private, secure area.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- Generally, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Compton, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, your lawyer will fight to defend you. 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.
Charges a Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Will Fight in Compton, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Compton, CA. Whatever charges you are facing, we're ready to defend your innocence. In the below sections, you can learn about categories of drug crimes and some of the relevant statutes.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in Compton, CA. 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 Compton, 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
Accusations of drug production, transportation, and distribution take on the other side of a drug deal: The alleged 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 Compton, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). For these felony charges, 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. 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 can be very different from each other, but they share one common attribute: They don't exist 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 Compton, 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 difference is that you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Compton prosecutor.
These can include anything from production to transportation to taking part in a drug conspiracy, 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.
It's hard to think of many charges worse to face than this. And you need a an experienced criminal defense lawyer who's prepared to match the federal prosecutor. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, develop a strong defense strategy, challenge evidence, and make every effort to secure a favorable result for your case.
Compton, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases can include a many different 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 alcoholwhich has a legal limit).
When facing this type of charge, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need a leading Compton, CA, DUI defense lawyer who fight on your behalf both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — for most DUI cases, you need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest.
What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Compton, CA, to take your case, it can feel impossible trying to decide which one to represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
Here are the top factors you want to see in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Vast Experience fighting against these charges
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your local county
- A Track Record of Positive Outcomes when fighting drug charges for clients
- Availability Anytime so that you can get help when you need it most
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our firm fulfills all of these requirements. We have over five decades of combined courtroom experience, including working for the district attorney's office. We know judges and attorneys throughout California. And we have a history of delivering positive outcomes 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
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. The details are different for every criminal case in Compton, CA, and you should have a customized defense strategy to protect you.
While we use some common base strategies, we'll build your defense out to fit your unique circumstances. Below 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: 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.
- 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 police 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: Plea negotiations not only reduce the level of charges you're facing, but can also open up diversion avenues.
If someone's accused you of a drug crime in Compton, CA, reach out to the Law Offices of David S. Chesley now.
Compton, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Compton has diversion and treatment options available, which your Compton, CA, drug charges lawyer can try to utilize in 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. 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 protects you from 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 2024 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.
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); fail or refuse treatment, and you face 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 updated firearm-related enhancement laws to include fentanyl on the list of relevant substances.
Your Compton, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, help you decide what route to take, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
For immigrants in Compton, 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: marijuana charges for no more than 30 grams of the substance, and only intended it for person use, not sale. This can affect 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 (other than certain rare substances) 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 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 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 avoids specific "aggravated felony" language — that defends your legal status in the country, as well as your criminal record.
Because immigration consequences are triggered by conviction, not just sentence, 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 facing any drug case, tell your attorney immediately — this materially changes how your case should be defended.
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 — ask your attorney what applies to your specific case.
Do I have to talk to police if I'm caught with drugs?
No. You are not required to answer any self-incriminating questions during an interrogation. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and request counsel immediately — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can I expunge a previous drug conviction in Compton, CA?
The answer depends on the specific charge and your sentence. Penal Code 1203.4 allows for expungement in many cases after completing probation, though eligibility depends on the specific charge and your record. An expungement does not erase a conviction for federal immigration purposes, 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?
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 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 Compton, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Compton, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. This isn't true for every drug charge in Compton, though: More serious allegations like trafficking are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Compton, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." Your future matters, and it depends on working with the right lawyer. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Compton, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley takes advantage of every opportunity we find to deliver positive results for clients. We defend all kinds of major criminal charges, including drug crime allegations. We will build a strong defense for you against your charges.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Compton, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to your Compton drug charges lawyer today at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a confidential case evaluation.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Compton, 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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