Drug Charges Lawyer in Inglewood, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Inglewood, CA. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These laws regulate substances from cannabis to opioids. But they all share one thing in common: Major legal consequences.
Stop these charges before it becomes a worst-case scenario. You need Inglewood, CA's premier criminal defense legal team in your corner. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Inglewood drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, explain your best options, and represent you all the way through trial. To start building your defense, reach out to our law offices at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation now.
Inglewood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, we will go over what a Inglewood, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, different types of charges you might face, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, strategies we may use in your case, and diversionary programs we can help you explore.
To learn about a particular topic, you can use the links in the following menu to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- The Importance of Working With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Inglewood, CA
- Inglewood, CA, Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Crime Allegations in Inglewood, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Inglewood, CA
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Inglewood, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Contact Your Inglewood, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All Drug Crime Allegations Our Lawyers Fight Against
Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Inglewood, CA, NOW
Drug charges in Inglewood, CA, always need to be taken seriously. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning there's always a risk of an extended stay in jail.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer immediately is to give you an understanding of the accusations. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug trafficking case, and your defense attorney needs to know how to defend each.
The second reason to get in touch with a local Inglewood, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process is to stop yourself from making a mistake. After a police interview without proper legal representation, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. Your attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
Finally, 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 we act early enough.
Common Drug Types in Inglewood, CA, Legal Cases:
When deciding on a Inglewood, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should pick somone 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 | These include substances like Xanax or Adderall, which aren't supposed to be taken without a doctor's authorization. |
| Ecstacy | A man-made psychoactive drug. Use can cause both mood and psychedelic effects. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug which can cause intense effects Long term use can dampen the brain's reward pathway. |
| Methamphetamine | A man-made drug that temporarily boosts energy, while harming the body. |
| 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 | 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 by substance, quantity, prior 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 typically charged as felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific substance 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 our office for a free case evaluation and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Inglewood, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from a plant leaf. While the state used to have laws against its use, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Because it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Inglewood, CA, typically 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 Inglewood, 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, show that you did not violate any regulations, and/or show off the proper regulatory procedures which you adhered to.
Drug Charge Categories in Inglewood, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Inglewood, CA. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. 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
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Inglewood, CA. All illegal chemicals can fall under this umbrella, 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 Inglewood, 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: 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
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
These charges are almost always treated more harshly than possession/use charges. 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: Possession for sale generally falls under HS 11351 (most controlled substances) or HS 11378 (methamphetamine). As a straight 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. 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 exist on their own. In order to be charged with an enhancement, there also needs to be an underlying base charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Inglewood, 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 the federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from trafficking to running a drug ring, but normally it will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. Sentences are often more severe, such as a life sentence and substantial fines.
These are some of the most serious charges you can possibly face. And you need a a leading criminal defense lawyer who has the strength to battle the United States government. Our firm will conduct investigations, look for legal loopholes, challenge evidence, and make every effort to secure a favorable outcome for your case.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Inglewood, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Inglewood, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases cover 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 alcohol).
When facing drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Inglewood, 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 cases, you need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest.
How to Find the Right Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in Inglewood, CA, it can be overwhelming trying to decide who will best represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
These are the main qualities you want to see in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Extensive Experience fighting these cases in court
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A Track Record of Success 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 courtroom experience, including as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We offer legal services 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.
Possible Defense Tactics Against Drug Charges
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. Everyone in the Inglewood, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a tailored defense plan to protect you.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Here are some staunch 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: If the substance in question was, in fact, illegal, but belonged to another person, you shouldn't face possession charges.
- Entrapment: In rare cases, if an undercover police 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 you've been accused of a drug crime in Inglewood, CA, call one of our attorneys for immediate help.
Inglewood, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Inglewood has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Inglewood, CA, drug charges lawyer about whether or not they apply to your case. 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 a very desirable outcome for many people facing drug charges. It generally involves drug education classes, sobriety requirements, and regular drug testing. The main reason people like to take advantage of PC 1000 is it prevents a conviction from going on your record. This prevents you from going through 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 takes a different approach than a typical diversion program.
Under the 2024 version, 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; if you don't take this option, you'll have to fight the felony charge, and risking up to three years behind bars. 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 Inglewood, CA, drug charges lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify for options that keep you out of court, explore sentencing and charge alternatives with you, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Inglewood, CA, on a work visa, a drug conviction can be far more damaging than the criminal penalty alone — and this is an area where our firm's dual criminal defense and immigration practice gives clients a real advantage.
The federal government can initiate removal proceedings for most drug convictions, 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 (other than certain rare substances) is normally 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 far more likely to be treated 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 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 to another, non-drug charge, 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, it's important to avoid mistakes from the very start of your case. If you are an immigrant up against a drug charge, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
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. 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 — 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 request counsel right away — 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 Inglewood, CA?
Many drug convictions can be expunged under Penal Code 1203.4 once probation is successfully completed, 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 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. Which one applies depends on your charge and criminal history.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Inglewood, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Inglewood, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. Possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are generally felonies regardless of prior record.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Inglewood, CA, Today
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." Your future matters, and it depends on partnering with the right lawyer. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Inglewood, 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.
We also aid with the following legal services in Inglewood, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to your Inglewood drug charges lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to schedule a free, confidential 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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