Drug Charges Lawyer in Culver City, CA. There's no such thing as a "good" drug charge to be accused of in Culver City, CA. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These laws regulate substances from methamphetamine to heroin. But they all share one thing in common: Major legal consequences.
Don't let these accusations derail your life. You need Culver City, CA's leading criminal defense lawyer on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Culver City drug charges lawyers are avaialble 24/7 to help you. We will research the statute in detail, discuss defense tactics, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To begin building your defense, contact our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online right away.
Culver City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, we will go over the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Culver City, CA, different types of charges you might face, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and diversionary programs we can help you explore.
To focus on a particular topic, you can use the links in the following menu to jump ahead and learn more:
- What Your Culver City, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Culver City, CA, Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Categories of Drug Charges in Culver City, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Culver City
- What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- Culver City, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Allegation FAQs
- Contact Your Culver City, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All Drug Crime Allegations Our Attorneys Defend Against
Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Culver City, CA, NOW
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Culver City, CA. The same action can be interpreted by the state in multiple ways, meaning you can always face an extended stay in jail.
The first reason you should work with a drug charges lawyer immediately is to give you an understanding of the accusations. A simple possession case takes a different set of skills than a drug manufacturing case, and your drug defense attorney needs to know how to defend your particular charges.
The second reason to get in touch with a local Culver City, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process 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 help you talk to police the right way, instead of incriminating yourself.
On top of that, your drug charges attorney will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Connecting with a lawyer early 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 Culver City, CA, Legal Cases:
When deciding on a Culver City, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. In the following section, we've listed 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. This affects the brain's ability to process serotonin. |
| 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 | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A highly refined type of opioid. 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 by the type of drug, how much there was, any prior convictions, and whether the charge is possession, possession-for-sale, or sale/transport. For some typical accusations:
- 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 rarely treated as misdemeanors. They're often felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific substance 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.
Every case is unique, and it can be hard to find answers on your own — call us for a free case review and we'll help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Culver City, 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, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Because local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) accusations in Culver City, CA, typically have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. For 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
- In most cases, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Culver City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, our attorneys will fight to defend you. For example, we can demonstrate that you had the legal right to possess marijuana, demonstrate that you did not exceed state limits, and/or show off the proper regulatory procedures which you adhered to.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Culver City, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Culver City, CA. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. In the sections below, you can learn about different categories of drug crimes and what a lawyer can do to assist you.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Culver City, CA. All illegal chemicals can fall under this umbrella, 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 Culver City, CA, drug charges lawyer fight for illegally obtained evidence to be thrown out, 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 has its own specific statute in HS 11377. Generally, these possession charges are handled as misdemeanors.
Drug Production/Transport/Distribution Charges
Drug dealing allegations are treated much differently than drug possession. They are often given harsher sentences for allegedly making, transporting, and/or selling the substance.
- 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: 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. Sale or transportation for sale is charged under HS 11352 (most substances) or HS 11379 (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 may seem very different, but one thing connects them together: They don't qualify on their own. In order to be charged with an enhancement, you first need to face a different criminal charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Culver 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 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 Culver City prosecutor.
These can include anything from manufacturing to taking part in a drug conspiracy, 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, 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 with the resources to fight the United States government. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, research applicable laws, dissect the case against you, and do whatever we can to secure a positive outcome for your case.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Culver City, 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 driving after taking certain medications. What's worse, you can be taken into custody 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 facing this type of charge, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Culver City, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. But you need to act fast — for most DUI cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Culver City, 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.
These are the main qualities you want to find in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Vast Experience defending clients in your situation
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A Reputation of Delivering Victories against the state for these charges
- Availability Anytime in case an emergency occurs and you need help
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we embody each of these qualities. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience, including as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We offer legal services throughout California. And we have a history of delivering positive outcomes for our clients.
We don't make false promises about your case, and you can talk to us 24/7 if something new develops.
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 Culver City, CA, and you should have a tailored defense strategy to protect you.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Here are some of the possible 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: This defense can be used if there were, in fact, drugs present, but you had no control or ownership over them.
- Entrapment: In some cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into breaking a drug law, 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: 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're facing drug crime charges in Culver City, CA, and need help, get in touch with one of our attorneys for immediate help.
Culver City, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Culver City has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Culver City, 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. 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, 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 helps you avoid 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 rules, To qualify, an individual must have at least two prior drug convictions on their record. If so, the new charge can be handled as a "treatment-mandated felony," rather than a misdemeanor as originally charged.
If you're facing this charge, you have 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, and risking up to three years behind bars. 2024's Proposition 36 also increased sentencing exposure tied to drug quantity for certain substances and updated firearm-related enhancement laws to include fentanyl on the list of relevant substances.
Your Culver City, 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.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Culver City, CA, on a work visa, you might have to defend yourself against removal as well as criminal charges — 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 a sole exception: marijuana charges for no more than 30 grams of the substance, and only intended it for person use, not sale. This applies to 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.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is normally enough to qualify for removal, 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 has a constitutional duty to tell you about these immigration consequences before you make a plea. An attorney who understands both sides can negotiate a resolution — such as a plea deal for a different offense, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — that defends your legal status in the country, as well as your criminal record.
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 an immigrant fighting a drug crime allegation, tell your attorney immediately — this materially changes how your case should be defended.
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 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. Be respectful to the police, but do not provide any information besides your identity, and request counsel immediately — if you say the wrong thing, you could end up facing harsher charges.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Culver City, CA?
Many drug convictions can be expunged under Penal Code 1203.4 once probation is successfully completed, though whether or not you are eligible can be affected by the specific charge and your previous conviction 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?
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. Which one applies depends on your charge and criminal history.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Culver City, CA?
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 Culver 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 Culver City, CA
These charges need to be treated seriously Your future matters, and it depends on picking the right defense lawyer. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Culver City, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. 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.
We also aid with the following legal services in Culver City, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Culver City drug charges defense lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no-strings review of your charges.
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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