Drug Charges Lawyer in North Hollywood, CA. Drug crimes in North Hollywood, CA, come in many forms. 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 prescription medications to fentanyl. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
You need representation that will fight for your freedom. You need North Hollywood, CA's leading criminal defense law firm on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local North Hollywood drug charges lawyers are avaialble 24/7 to help you. We will explore possible defenses, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and represent you all the way through trial. To begin fighting the charges, call our team at (800) 755-5174 or ask about a free case review online now.
North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can read about the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in North Hollywood, CA, different types of charges you might face, the qualities your attorney should have, strategies we may use in your case, and more.
To learn about a specific topic, click on the appropriate link in the following menu to jump ahead and learn more:
- What Your North Hollywood, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Popular Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Categories of Drug Crime Allegations in North Hollywood, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in North Hollywood
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Allegation FAQs
- Contact Your North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All the Drug Charges Our Team Will Fight Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you've been accused of a drug crime in North Hollywood, CA, it's a big deal, no matter what. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning you're risking an extended stay in jail.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer as soon as possible is to help you interpret the law. A simple possession case shouldn't be treated the same as a drug manufacturing case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to fight against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to contact a local North Hollywood, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to stop yourself from making a mistake. 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 stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
Additionally, your drug charges attorney will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Early intervention 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.
Common Drug Types in North Hollywood, CA, Legal Cases:
When deciding on a North Hollywood, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should pick somone who can defend charges related to the specific kind of drug in the allegations. In the following section, we've outlined 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 | A man-made psychoactive drug. Long term use may impair an individual's memory and learning abilities. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug derived from a South American plant Its use can harm the brain, as well as several other organs. |
| Methamphetamine | Synthetic stimulant originally used to improve focus, but with serious side effects. |
| Opioids | A class of drugs, including both natural and synthetic types. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A highly refined type of opioid. 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. |
Sentences vary significantly based on the type of drug, quantity, your criminal record, and the accusation you're facing. As a general framework:
- 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 rarely treated as misdemeanors. They're often felonies, and the sentence can change based on the specific drug 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.
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 walk you through what you're actually facing.
Marijuana in North Hollywood, 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 it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) allegations in North Hollywood, CA, typically often revolve around who was using it and whether that person was exceeding legal limits. For 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
- Typically, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, your lawyer will fight to defend you. For example, we can argue that you were permitted to have cannabis, demonstrate that you did not exceed state limits, and/or make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Drug Charge Categories in North Hollywood, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in North Hollywood, CA. We help defendants fight against all kinds of drug crime allegations. 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
The most common drug charges in North Hollywood, CA, are often those related to possession. They cover a wide range of substances and these charges can apply if the drugs are on your person, in your vehicle, or anywhere you would control access to them.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Hard Drug Possession
Your North Hollywood, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, and can advocate for diversionary programs to keep you out of jail.
Relevant statutes: Health and Safety Code 11350 covers most hard drug possession accusations, while possession of methamphetamine is instead covered by 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
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 charges are almost always treated more harshly than possession/use charges. 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. Sale and transportation for sale charges are divided in a similar way: HS 11352 (most substances) vs. HS 11379 (methamphetamine). These charges carry longer exposure — 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 they share one common attribute: 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 North Hollywood, 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 the U.S. government is prosecuting you, not just the North Hollywood district attorney.
These can include anything from trafficking to running a drug ring, 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.
If you're accused of a drug crime in federal court, you're up against a lot. And you need a a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who's prepared to match the federal prosecutor. Our firm will protect your rights, research applicable laws, dissect the case against you, and do whatever we can to secure a favorable result for you.
North Hollywood, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in North Hollywood, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases can include 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 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 drug DUI charges, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert North Hollywood, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you 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.
Top North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Qualitites
When picking a drug charges lawyer in North Hollywood, CA, to take your case, it can be a challenge trying to decide the right person to represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
Here are the top factors you want to see in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Vast Experience defending clients in your situation
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A Track Record of Positive Outcomes 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 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 our clients.
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
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. The details are different for every criminal case in North Hollywood, CA, and you should have a customized defense strategy to match.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Below are some strong 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.
- Somone Else's Drugs: 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 law enforcement agent coerced you into breaking a drug law, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- 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: 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're facing drug crime charges in North Hollywood, CA, and need help, get in touch with one of our attorneys now.
North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
North Hollywood has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your North Hollywood, 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 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 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 works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the modern 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. If you're facing this charge, you have a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, and the case can be dismissed with the arrest sealed; if you don't take this option, you'll have to fight the felony charge, with a prison sentence of up to three years. The law also increased sentencing exposure tied to drug quantity for certain substances and updated firearm-related enhancement laws to include fentanyl on the list of relevant substances.
Your North Hollywood, 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.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
For immigrants in North Hollywood, CA, you're facing even more serious consequences than a U.S. citizen — you need a law firm who can help you fight the criminal charges and defend you in immigration court, if necessary.
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 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.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is generally grounds for deportation, 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 significantly more serious. They are often considered aggravated felonies, which can trigger mandatory deportation and create barriers to appeals efforts.
- How a charge is pleaded matters enormously. Under Padilla v. Kentucky, defense counsel is required 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 to a non-drug offense, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — that defends your legal status in the country, as well as your criminal record.
Because immigration consequences are triggered by conviction, not just sentence, decisions made early in a criminal case can matter as much as, or more than, the eventual sentence itself. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder up against a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Drug Allegation Defense Frequently Asked Questions
If my drug charges are dismissed, can anyone still see them?
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 — 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 request counsel right away — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in North Hollywood, 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. The conviction can still potentially be used as grounds for deportation, though, 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. 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. To learn more about how to explore these paths, speak to an attorney today.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in North Hollywood, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in North Hollywood, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. Possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are generally felonies regardless of prior record.
Don't Gamble With Your Freedom: Talk to Our North Hollywood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyers Today
These charges need to be treated seriously Your future matters, and it depends on partnering with the right attorney. We are ready to take your case.
The North Hollywood, 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.
We also aid with the following legal services in North Hollywood, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to your North Hollywood drug defense attorney now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a 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)
Payment Plans
