Drug Charges Lawyer in Corona, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Corona, CA. Possession of a controlled substance is bad enough, but it's even worse if you're charged with dealing or distributing drugs. These statutes regulate substances from marijuana to fentanyl. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
Stop these charges before it becomes a worst-case scenario. You need Corona, CA's leading criminal defense law firm on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Corona drug charges lawyers will be by your side from day one. We will give you honest advice, explain your best options, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To begin fighting the charges, contact our attorneys at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation now.
Corona, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
In this article, we will go over what a Corona, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, the types of substances considered illegal in Corona, the qualities your attorney should have, strategies we may use in your case, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Corona.
To focus on a specific topic, you can use the links in the list below to jump ahead and learn more:
- Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Corona, CA, NOW
- Common Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Corona, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Corona, CA
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Corona, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
- Every Drug Charge Our Lawyers Fight Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Corona, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Corona, CA. The same action can be interpreted by the state in multiple ways, meaning you're risking years in prison.
The first reason you should work with a drug charges lawyer right away is to explain the charges. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug manufacturing case, and your drug defense attorney needs to know how to fight against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to contact a local Corona, CA, drug charges lawyer as soon as you've been accused is to stop yourself from making a mistake. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. A drug charges lawyer can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
On top of that, your drug charges lawyer will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Connecting with a lawyer early gives you a head start against the state, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Common Drug Types in Corona, CA, Legal Cases:
When picking a Corona, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who can defend charges related to the specific kind of drug in the allegations. Below, you can read about some of the most common substances that are the center of illegal drug cases in the state.
| 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 | A man-made psychoactive drug. This affects the brain's ability to process serotonin. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant which can cause intense effects Its use can harm the brain, as well as several other organs. |
| 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 | 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. |
Sentences vary significantly based on substance, quantity, your criminal record, and the accusation you're facing. As a general framework:
- 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) 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 us for a free case evaluation and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Corona, 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 it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Corona, CA, most often have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. 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:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- Typically, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Corona, 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.
Drug Charge Categories in Corona, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Corona, CA. We help defendants fight against all kinds of drug crime allegations. In the below sections, you can learn about categories of drug crimes and some of the relevant statutes.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Corona, 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 Corona, CA, drug charges lawyer fight for illegally obtained evidence to be thrown out, 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 specifically falls under HS 11377. Both are typically charged as misdemeanors, punishable by up to one year in county jail, for defendants without disqualifying prior convictions.
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
A conviction of one of these charges typically means a much longer prison sentence than for simple 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 Corona, 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). These charges carry longer exposure — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. Unlike simple possession, these charges are generally not eligible for PC 1000 or Prop 36 treatment diversion unless your attorney can negotiate the charge down to simple possession.
Drug Charge Enhancements
California's drug charge enhancement laws can be very different from each other, but one thing connects them together: They don't stand 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 Corona, 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 you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Corona prosecutor.
These can include anything from trafficking to drug smuggling, but to get the attention of the federal government, it typically will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. Sentences are often more severe, 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's prepared to fight the United States government. Our firm will protect your rights, develop a strong defense strategy, review evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a positive result for your case.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Corona, CA
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Corona, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. 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 taken into custody if there is any amount of THC in your system while driving (as opposed to alcoholwhich has a legal limit).
When accused of this type of charge, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a leading Corona, CA, DUI defense lawyer who fight on your behalf both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. But you need to act fast — for most DUI accusations, if you wait longer than ten days to request a hearing, you lose your chance.
What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in Corona, CA, 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 look for in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting against these charges
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A Track Record of Victories 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, our firm fulfills all of these requirements. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience, including as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. 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 talk to us 24/7 if something new develops.
Ways Our Lawyers Defend Against Drug Charges
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. Everyone in the Corona, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a tailored defense strategy to match.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Here are some of the possible strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: By getting evidence thrown out, the case against you can be weakened.
- Lack of Intent: In some cases, you can't be convicted if you broke the law on accident. For example, if police found illegal drugs in your car, but they weren't yours, and you weren't aware of them, you didn't transport them, legally speaking.
- Not Your 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 some cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into buying or using illicit drugs, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- 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 Corona, CA, call our firm now.
Corona, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Corona has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Corona, CA, drug charges lawyer about whether or not they apply to your case. To qualify, defendants must fit certain criteria. Here are a couple of programs that might apply in your case:
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. 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 protects you from 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 approach drug offense diversion from a unique angle.
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.
Rather than an automatic alternative to jail, this creates 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. The law also increased potential penalties for large quantities of certain substances and updated the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements to include fentanyl.
Your Corona, CA, drug charges lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify for options that keep you out of court, advocate for that path where it's available, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
If you are not a U.S. citizen, a drug conviction can be far more damaging than the criminal penalty alone — you need a law firm who can help you fight the criminal charges and defend you in immigration court, if necessary.
Under federal immigration law, a conviction for almost any controlled substance offense can make a non-citizen deportable, with one narrow 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 applies even if you weren't given jail time on your conviction.
Important factors to be aware of:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is ordinarilly a deportable offense, 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 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 has a constitutional duty to advise a client of these immigration consequences before a plea is entered. 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 — which minimizes your chances of being deported.
Because a criminal record can bring immigration consequences regardless of the sentence, you need to get expert help as soon as you're aware of an investigation. If you are an immigrant up against a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — this plays a major role in your case, and your lawyer should help you on both fronts.
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. If you were able to take advantage of a diversion program like PC 1000 or Proposition 36, you may be able to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — an attorney can help you explore these options.
If the police catch me with drugs in my possession, do I have to answer their questions?
No. You are not required to answer any self-incriminating questions during an interrogation. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and ask for a lawyer right away — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can I expunge a previous drug conviction in Corona, 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 green card and visa holders need immigration-aware counsel handling both the criminal case and any later cleanup.
What's the difference between PC 1000 and Proposition 36 diversion?
First-time, simple possession offenses can take advantage of PC 1000. This requires participation in an education program and regular drug testing, but can result in the dismissal of all charges. If you have previous drug-charge convictions on your record, you're more likely to be eligible for Proposition 36 (2024): This would be a felony charge, but offers a court-supervised treatment program to have the case dismissed. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
Does Corona, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is typically a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. This isn't true for every drug charge in Corona, though: More serious allegations like distribution are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
Don't Gamble With Your Freedom: Talk to Our Corona, CA, Drug Charges Lawyers Today
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on working with the right defense attorney. We are ready to take your case.
The Corona, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. We have relationships in courts across California. 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 Corona, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact your Corona drug defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to set up a free, confidential case evaluation.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Corona, 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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