Drug Charges Lawyer in Glendale, CA. Whatever drug accusations you're facing in Glendale, 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 charges can include all kinds of substances from marijuana to opioids. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
You need representation that will fight for your freedom. You need Glendale, CA's premier criminal defense lawyer on your case. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Glendale drug charges lawyers are avaialble 24/7 to help you. We will explore possible defenses, explain your best options, and represent you all the way through trial. To start fighting the charges, reach out to our lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online right away.
Glendale, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you can read about the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Glendale, CA, different types of charges you might face, the key factors you want your defense team to have, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and more.
To focus on a specific topic, you can use the links in the following menu to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- Top Reasons to Work With a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Glendale, CA
- Popular Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Glendale, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Glendale, CA
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Contact Your Glendale, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- Every Drug Charge Our Firm Will Defend Against
Get Help From a Glendale, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Glendale, CA, it's a big deal, no matter what. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning there's always a risk of felony consequences.
The first reason you should work with a drug charges lawyer immediately is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug trafficking case, and your defense attorney needs to know how to defend your particular charges.
The second reason to contact a local Glendale, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to stop yourself from making a mistake. After a police interview without proper legal representation, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. A drug charges attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
On top of that, your drug charges attorney will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Connecting with a lawyer early gives you a head start against the state, and can even give you a better chance of having the court dismiss charges if we can act before the state builds a compelling case.
Glendale, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties:
When deciding on a Glendale, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should pick somone who knows how the prosecution treats different drug types. Below, we've listed some of the most common substances that are the center of illegal drug cases in the state.
| 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. Long term use may impair an individual's memory and learning abilities. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug which can cause intense effects It is taken in a variety of ways. |
| 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. 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. |
Potential legal consequences vary significantly based on the type of drug, quantity, your criminal record, and the act you're being accused of. As an overview:
- 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 are more serious charges. Most accusations are felonies, and the sentence can change based on the specific drug and amount involved.
- Fentanyl cases are particularly harsh: Proposition 36 (2024) created a list of drugs, including fentanyl, which can trigger felony enhancement if possessed along with a loaded firearm.
- Most of the time, federal drug charges result in harsher, longer sentences.
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 Glendale, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which contains THC, a chemical compound with psychoactive properties. While the state used to have laws against its use, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Since local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) cases in Glendale, CA, typically center around when and where it is 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, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Glendale, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, your lawyer can help. For example, we can argue that you were permitted to have cannabis, 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 Glendale, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley are an experienced group of drug defense lawyers serving the Glendale, CA, area. 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
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in Glendale, 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 Glendale, 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: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under Health and Safety Code 11350, 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
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. A drug crimes defense lawyer can help you negotiate a plea to a less serious offense.
Relevant statutes: Possession for sale generally falls under HS 11351 (most controlled substances) or HS 11378 (methamphetamine). 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 all have one thing in common: They don't stand on their own. To be charged with an enhancement, there also needs to be an underlying base charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Glendale, 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 distinction is that the U.S. government is prosecuting you, not just the Glendale district attorney.
These can include anything from manufacturing to drug smuggling, but to get the attention of the federal government, it typically 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 has the strength to battle the federal prosecutor. Our firm will conduct investigations, look for legal loopholes, review evidence, and make every effort to secure a positive result for you.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Glendale, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Glendale, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases can include a wide range of situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by prescribed medication. 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 up against this type of charge, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Glendale, CA, DUI defense lawyer who will fight your case both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. But you need to act fast — for most DUI accusations, you need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest.
How to Find the Right Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Glendale, CA, it can be overwhelming trying to decide who will best represent you. Your life may depend on it, after all.
Here are the top factors you want to look for in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Extensive Experience fighting these cases in court
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Existing Relationships with prosecutors and judges 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 five decades of combined legal experience, including former prosecutors. We know judges and attorneys throughout California. And we have delivered many victories for Californians.
You can trust us to always be upfront with your case, and you can talk to us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. The details are different for every criminal case in Glendale, CA, and you should have a unique defense plan to protect you.
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: 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: 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.
- Somone Else's 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 rare cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into breaking a drug law, you can be found innocent of the criminal charges.
- Prescription: This isn't an option for every offense and type of drug, but some accusations can be alleviated if you were legally prescribed the substance.
- Plea Negotiations: Plea negotiations not only reduce the level of charges you're facing, but can also open up diversion avenues.
If you need a drug crimes defense attorney in Glendale, CA, call an attorney at our offices today.
Glendale, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Glendale has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Glendale, CA, drug charges lawyer what you can do to increase your chances of entering one of these programs.
To qualify, defendants must meet legal guidelines. 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. 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 helps you avoid 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 current 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.
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, and risking up to three years behind bars. The law 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 Glendale, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, 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 a lawful permanent resident or are in Glendale, 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 one narrow 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 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" — this means that you'll have access to some important immigration relief options.
- Possession for sale, sale, or trafficking convictions are far more likely to be treated as 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 inform you about these immigration implications prior to entering your plea. Our firm works hard to find outcomes — 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 a criminal record can bring immigration consequences regardless of the sentence, decisions made early in a criminal case can matter as much as, or more than, the eventual sentence itself. If you are an immigrant facing any drug case, 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 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 are not required to answer any self-incriminating questions during an interrogation. Politely but firmly refuse to answer any questions outside of providing your identity, 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 Glendale, 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 non-citizens 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. 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.
Does Glendale, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
For most first-time possession cases in Glendale, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. 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 Glendale, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
These charges need to be treated seriously Your freedom is important, and it depends on picking the right attorney. We are ready to take your case.
The Glendale, 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 have relationships in courts across California. We explore every avenue to find the right path forward for our clients.
We also aid with the following legal services in Glendale, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to your Glendale drug charges defense lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
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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