Drug Charges Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Manhattan Beach, CA. Possession of a controlled substance is bad enough, but it's even worse if you're charged with dealing or distributing drugs. These charges can include all kinds of substances from marijuana to fentanyl. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
You need representation that will fight for your freedom. You need Manhattan Beach, CA's premier criminal defense lawyer in your corner. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Manhattan Beach drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, discuss defense tactics, and stand by you in front of the judge and jury if your case reaches a trial. To begin building your defense, reach out to our legal team at (800) 755-5174 or ask about a free case review online right away.
Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, we will go over the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Manhattan Beach, 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, click on the appropriate link below to skip ahead and learn more:
- The Importance of Working With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA
- Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Categories of Drug Charges in Manhattan Beach, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Manhattan Beach
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA, Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Attorneys Fight Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Manhattan Beach, CA. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning there's always a risk of years in prison.
The first reason you should work with a drug charges lawyer as soon as possible is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case takes a different set of skills than a drug trafficking case, and your defense attorney needs to know how to defend against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to call a local Manhattan Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer first thing in your case is to protect yourself from mistakes. If you say something incorrect in an interrogation, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. A drug charges attorney can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
Finally, your drug charges lawyer will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Acting fast prevents the state from getting a lead on you, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Manhattan Beach, CA:
When deciding on a Manhattan Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who can defend charges related to the specific kind of drug in the allegations. In the following section, you can read about what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Manhattan Beach, CA.
| 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 | Also known as MDMA, Molly, and E. 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 | 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 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 based on substance, quantity, your criminal record, and the type of charge. For some typical accusations:
- 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 typically charged as felonies, and the sentence can change based on the specific substance and quantity 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.
Every case is unique, and it can be hard to find answers on your own — call our office for a free case evaluation and we'll help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Manhattan Beach, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which contains THC, a chemical compound with psychoactive properties. California used to outlaw the use of marijuana, however, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Since California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) cases in Manhattan Beach, CA, most often often revolve around who was using it and whether that person was exceeding legal limits. For 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
- Typically, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Manhattan Beach, 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, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Manhattan Beach, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Manhattan Beach, CA. Whatever charges you are facing, we're ready to defend your innocence. 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 Manhattan 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 Manhattan Beach, 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. In most cases, the prosecution will choose to treat these as misdemeanors, limiting the potential sentence to one year in jail.
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
A conviction of one of these charges typically means a much longer prison sentence than for simple possession. 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: 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. 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 all have one thing in common: They don't stand on their own. Before you can be charged with an enhancement, there has to be another criminal accusation.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Manhattan 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 you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Manhattan Beach prosecutor.
These can include anything from manufacturing to drug smuggling, but most often will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. Sentences are often more severe, such as a life sentence and substantial fines.
If you're accused of a drug crime in federal court, you're up against a lot. And you need a a leading criminal defense lawyer who's prepared to match the federal prosecutor. Our office will conduct investigations, research applicable laws, dissect the case against you, and do whatever we can to secure a favorable outcome for you.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Manhattan Beach, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Manhattan Beach, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases cover a wide range of situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to driving after taking certain medications. Legal regulations often make these charges more serious than typical DUIs. For example, 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 accused of drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Manhattan Beach, CA, DUI defense lawyer who argue for you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Don't wait to get help — for most DUI cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
Top Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Qualitites
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA, it can be a challenge trying to decide the right person to represent you. With so much at stake, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
These are the main qualities you want to see in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Extensive Experience fighting against these charges
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your local county
- A History of Victories versus the prosecution in drug cases
- Availability Anytime so that you can get help when you need it most
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we can deliver on all of these needs. We have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, including as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We know judges and attorneys throughout California. And we have delivered many victories for our clients.
We don't make false promises about your case, and you can call us 24/7 if something new develops.
Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. The details are different for every criminal case in Manhattan Beach, CA, and you should have a tailored defense plan to match.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Below are some compelling 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.
- Didn't Belong to You: If the substance in question was, in fact, illegal, but belonged to another person, you shouldn't face possession charges.
- Entrapment: In some cases, if an undercover police officer coerced you into breaking a drug 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 someone's accused you of a drug crime in Manhattan Beach, CA, reach out to the Law Offices of David S. Chesley now.
Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Manhattan Beach has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Manhattan Beach, 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. The program typically includes drug education classes, sobriety requirements, 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 works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the 2024 rules, 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. If you're facing this charge, you have 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, including up to three years in custody. 2024's Proposition 36 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 Manhattan Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, help you decide what route to take, and stand by your side no matter which route you take.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you might have to defend yourself against removal as well as criminal charges — fortunately, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is experienced in both criminal defense and immigration law.
The federal government can initiate removal proceedings for most drug convictions, with one specific exception: a simple possession charge with 30 grams or less of marijuana (not for distribution). 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.
Important factors to be aware of:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is ordinarilly a deportable offense, 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 significantly more serious. They are often considered 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 is required to advise a client of these immigration consequences before a plea is entered. An attorney who understands both sides can negotiate a resolution — such as a plea deal to another, non-drug charge, or a disposition that doesn't include 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, you need to get expert help as soon as you're aware of an investigation. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder fighting a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a drug charge show up on a background check even if the case is dismissed?
Even if you're not convicted of the underlying charge, a background check can still show the arrest. If you were able to take advantage of a diversion program like PC 1000 or Proposition 36, you may be eligible to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — your drug charges defense lawyer can help you navigate these options.
Do I need to answer police questions if I have illegal drugs on me?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and ask for a lawyer right away — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in Manhattan 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 this can be affected based on the charge you were convicted of, and any previous convictions. This isn't as definitive of an answer in regards to immigration, though: The federal government will still be able to see the conviction, which is why non-citizens need to work with an experienced drug crimes attorney who also practices immigration law.
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.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Manhattan Beach, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Manhattan Beach, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. This isn't true for every drug charge in Manhattan Beach, 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 Manhattan Beach, CA
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." Your freedom is important, and it depends on working with the right defense lawyer. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Manhattan Beach, 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 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.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Manhattan Beach, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Manhattan Beach drug defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online 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)
Payment Plans
