Drug Charges Lawyer in Long Beach, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Long Beach, CA. It's possible for what could be a simple possession charge to be elevated into possession for sale or even trafficking. These statutes 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.
Stop these charges before it becomes a worst-case scenario. You need Long Beach, CA's premier criminal defense attorney on your case. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Long Beach drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will research the statute in detail, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and represent you all the way through trial. To start building your defense, contact our law offices at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form today.
Long Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can learn about the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Long Beach, CA, the types of substances considered illegal in Long Beach, the qualities your attorney should have, strategies we may use in your case, and more.
If you want to read about a particular topic, click on the appropriate link in the list below to jump ahead and learn more:
- Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Long Beach, CA, NOW
- Popular Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Long Beach, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Long Beach
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Possible Defenses That We Use in Drug Cases
- Long Beach, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Allegation FAQs
- Contact Your Long Beach, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All the Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Long Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Drug charges in Long Beach, CA, always need to be taken seriously. The same action can be interpreted by the state in multiple ways, meaning you're risking felony consequences.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer right away is to help you interpret the law. A simple possession case looks very different from a drug trafficking 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 Long Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process is to protect yourself from mistakes. If you say something incorrect in an interrogation, the charges could be elevated and the state's case strengthened. Your lawyer can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
Finally, your drug charges attorney will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Acting fast lets us build a defense before the prosecution has completed its case, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Common Drug Types in Long Beach, CA, Legal Cases:
When deciding on a Long Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. Below, we've listed what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Long Beach, CA.
| 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 man-made psychoactive drug. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant that can be either a powdered form or a solid rock (Crack) It is taken in a variety of ways. |
| Methamphetamine | A man-made drug that temporarily boosts energy, while harming the body. |
| Opioids | A class of drugs, including both prescription medications and fully illegal types. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A highly refined type of opioid. 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. |
Sentences vary significantly based on substance, quantity, prior record, and the act you're being accused of. As an overview:
- 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 typically charged as felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific drug 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.
- Most of the time, federal drug charges result in harsher, longer sentences.
Every case is unique, and it can be hard to find answers on your own — call us for a free case evaluation and we'll help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Long Beach, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which is popularly smoked to get high. California used to outlaw the use of marijuana, however, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Because California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) allegations in Long Beach, CA, frequently have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. As an example, it's legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational use, but growing a seventh is a crime.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- In most cases, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Long Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're up against marijuana-related charges, we are ready for your case. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, show that you did not violate any regulations, and/or show off the proper regulatory procedures which you adhered to.
Charges a Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Will Fight in Long Beach, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Long Beach, CA. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. 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 Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer fight for illegally obtained evidence to be thrown out, and can protect your freedom through diversionary programs, if applicable.
Relevant statutes: If you're accused of simple possession of a hard drug, you're liking facing charges for allegedly violating Health and Safety Code 11350, while possession of methamphetamine has its own specific statute in 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
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
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). 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. 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 cover a variety of situations, but all have one thing in common: They don't qualify on their own. In order to be charged with an enhancement, there has to be another criminal accusation.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Long Beach, 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. What sets these apart is that the U.S. government is prosecuting you, not just the Long Beach district attorney.
These can include anything from production to transportation 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. The penalties are often much harsher, 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 a leading criminal defense lawyer who has the strength to battle the federal prosecutor. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a favorable outcome for your case.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Long Beach, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Long Beach, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases can include a many different circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. What's worse, you can be arrested 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 an expert Long Beach, CA, DUI defense lawyer who will fight your case both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — 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
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Long Beach, CA, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one to represent you. Your life may depend on it, after all.
These are the main qualities you want to look for in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Vast Experience defending clients in your situation
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your local county
- A Reputation of Delivering 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 legal experience, including former prosecutors. We offer legal services throughout California. And we have a history of delivering positive outcomes for Californians.
We will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can call us 24/7 if something new develops.
Ways Our Lawyers Defend Against Drug Charges
The statute you violated may not be unique, but your case is. Everyone in the Long Beach, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a tailored defense plan to protect you.
While we use some common base strategies, we'll build your defense out to fit your unique circumstances. Below are some compelling 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.
- Didn't Belong to You: 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 law enforcement agent coerced you into buying or using illicit drugs, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- Prescription: These defenses hinge on your medical status, and if a doctor prescribed you a given substance.
- 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 need a drug crimes defense attorney in Long Beach, CA, reach out to one of our attorneys for immediate help.
Long Beach, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Long Beach has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Long Beach, 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. These are some of the :
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is often a very helpful, positive outcome for individuals accused of simple possession. 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 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 2024 law, individuals with two or more prior drug convictions can now be charged with a "treatment-mandated felony" for offenses that might otherwise have been charged as misdemeanors. Rather than an automatic alternative to jail, this creates 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, including up to three years in custody. 2024's Proposition 36 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 Long Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, explore sentencing and charge alternatives with you, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
How a Drug Conviction in Long Beach, CA, Affects Immigration Status
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Long Beach, CA, on a work visa, you're facing even more serious consequences than a U.S. citizen — and this is an area where our firm's dual criminal defense and immigration practice gives clients a real advantage.
Most drug charge convictions are grounds for deportation, but there is one narrow 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 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 generally grounds for deportation, but is not automatically classified as an "aggravated felony" — meaning that you likely won't lose access to certain modes of immigration relief.
- 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 is required to advise a client of these immigration consequences before a plea is entered. Our firm works hard to find outcomes — such as a plea deal for a different offense, or a disposition that avoids specific "aggravated felony" language — that may preserve a client's ability to stay in the country.
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 a non-citizen up against a drug crime allegation, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Drug Allegation Defense Frequently Asked Questions
Will a drug charge show up on a background check even if the case is dismissed?
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 able to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — your drug charges defense lawyer can help you navigate 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 ask for an attorney 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 Long Beach, 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 whether or not you are eligible can be affected by the specific charge and your previous conviction record. The conviction can still potentially be used as grounds for deportation, though, 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 functions differently: It allows what ordinarily would be charged as misdemeanors to now be charged as felonies, if you have prior drug convictions on your record. However, it also allows for a court-mandated treatment program, completion of which results in the dismissal of felony charges. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Long Beach, CA?
For most first-time possession cases in Long Beach, 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 Long Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
These charges need to be treated seriously It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on partnering with the right defense lawyer. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Long Beach, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. We defend all kinds of major criminal charges, including drug crime allegations. We will always be honest with you and will fight for the best outcome possible.
We also aid with the following legal services in Long Beach, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to your Long Beach drug crimes defense attorney right away at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form for a free 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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