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. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These laws regulate substances from cannabis to fentanyl. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
Stop these charges before it becomes a worst-case scenario. You need Long Beach, CA's leading criminal defense legal team in your corner. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Long Beach drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will explore possible defenses, discuss defense tactics, and stand by you in front of the judge and jury if your case reaches a trial. To start building your defense, reach out to our lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or ask about a free case review online now.
Long Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you can read 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 diversionary programs we can help you explore.
To learn about a specific topic, click on the appropriate link below to jump ahead and learn more:
- Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Long Beach, CA, NOW
- Common Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Categories of Drug Crime Allegations in Long Beach, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Long Beach, CA
- What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Long Beach, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Long Beach, CA, Today
- All Drug Crime Allegations Our Lawyers Defend Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Long Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Long Beach, CA. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning you're risking years in prison.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer without hesitation is to explain the charges. A simple possession case shouldn't be treated the same as a possession-for-sale case, and your defense attorney should understand how to defend each.
The second reason to call a local Long Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to lower your chances of doing something you shouldn't. After a police interview without proper legal representation, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. Your defense attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
Additionally, your drug charges attorney will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Acting fast 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.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Long Beach, CA:
When you work with a Long Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who knows how the prosecution treats different drug types. In the following section, we've listed what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Long Beach, CA.
| 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. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant derived from a South American plant It is taken in a variety of ways. |
| Methamphetamine | A stimulant known to affect people's energy levels and emotional stability. |
| Opioids | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. 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 | 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. |
Penalties vary significantly by substance, how much there was, prior record, and whether the charge is possession, possession-for-sale, or sale/transport. 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 rarely treated as misdemeanors. They're often felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily 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.
- If the federal government accuses you of a drug crime, the potential penalties are often more serious.
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 our office for a free case review and we'll help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Long Beach, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from a plant leaf. Smoking marijuana used to be illegal in California, but in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Because local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) accusations in Long Beach, CA, frequently 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, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Long Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're up against marijuana-related charges, we 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 that it was properly handled at all times.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Long Beach, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Long Beach, CA. Whatever charges you are facing, we're ready to defend your innocence. 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
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in Long Beach, CA. They cover a wide range of substances 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 can help by arguing that the drugs were not actually yours, and can be by your side every step of the way.
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 specifically falls under 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. 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: 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. Sale or transportation for sale is charged under HS 11352 (most substances) or HS 11379 (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 all have one thing in common: They don't qualify on their own. Before you can be charged with an enhancement, there also needs to be an underlying base charge.
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 isn't a 'category' in the same way that the above types of charges are. The difference is that you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Long Beach prosecutor.
These can include anything from trafficking 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, such as a life sentence and substantial fines.
It's hard to think of many charges worse to face than this. And you need a a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with the resources to battle the federal prosecutor. Our firm will protect your rights, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a favorable result for your case.
Long Beach, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Long Beach, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. Drug DUI defense cases cover a many different situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. One aspect that sets these cases apart is that 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 accused of drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a leading Long Beach, CA, DUI defense lawyer who argue for you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — in most cases, if you wait longer than ten days to request a hearing, you lose your chance.
Qualities in a Good Drug Charges Defense Lawyer
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Long Beach, CA, it can feel impossible trying to decide the right person to represent you. With so much at stake, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
Here are the top factors you want to see in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting against these charges
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Relationships at the courts in your jurisdiction
- A Track Record of Victories when fighting drug charges for clients
- 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 former prosecutors. We offer legal services throughout California. And we have delivered positive results for Californians.
We will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can get a hold of us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Ways Our Lawyers Defend Against Drug Charges
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. No two cases in Long Beach, CA, are identical, and you should have a tailored defense plan to protect you.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Below are some staunch strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: This can suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained.
- 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 rare cases, if an undercover law enforcement agent coerced you into violating the law, you can be found innocent of the criminal charges.
- 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: Plea negotiations not only reduce the level of charges you're facing, but can also open up diversion avenues.
If you're facing drug crime charges in Long Beach, CA, and need help, contact one of our lawyers now.
Long Beach, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Long Beach has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Long Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer about whether or not they apply to your case. To qualify, defendants must meet legal guidelines. These are some of the :
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 main reason people like to take advantage of PC 1000 is it prevents a conviction from going on your record. 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 works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the modern law, 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, and the case can be dismissed with the arrest sealed; fail or refuse treatment, and you face the felony charge, including up to three years in custody. The law also heightened potential drug crime sentences, depending on the quantity and type of substance, and updated the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements to include fentanyl.
Your Long Beach, 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.
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, a drug conviction can be far more damaging than the criminal penalty alone — fortunately, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is experienced in both criminal defense and immigration law.
Under federal immigration law, a conviction for almost any controlled substance offense can make a non-citizen deportable, with one specific exception: a simple possession charge with 30 grams or less of marijuana (not for distribution). This can affect 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.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is generally a deportable offense, 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 not treated as lightly. They are typically classified 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. We will fight for an outcome — 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 an immigrant fighting 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
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. Diversion programs such as PC 1000 or Proposition 36 can help. If you participate in one of these, 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 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 an attorney right away — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Long Beach, CA?
If you were given probation, you may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, though this can be affected based on the charge you were convicted of, and any previous convictions. 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?
PC 1000 is available for qualifying first-time or low-level possession offenses and leads to dismissal after completing education and testing requirements. 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. Which one applies depends on your charge and criminal history.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Long Beach, CA?
Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is typically a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. Distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are different, though: These are normally treated as felonies, even for a first-time offender.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Long Beach, CA, Today
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." Your freedom is important, and it depends on picking the right defense team. Fortunately, we're here to help.
The Long Beach, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley have experience defending against countless drug crime accusations. We defend all kinds of major criminal charges, including drug crime allegations. We will build a strong defense for you against your charges.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers 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 defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a free review of your case.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Long Beach, 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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