Drug Charges Lawyer in Norwalk, CA. Whatever drug accusations you're facing in Norwalk, CA, it's not an easy thing to handle. Possession of a controlled substance is bad enough, but it's even worse if you're charged with dealing or distributing drugs. These statutes regulate substances from marijuana to fentanyl. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
You need someone who can guide you to a positive outcome. You need Norwalk, CA's leading criminal defense attorney defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Norwalk drug charges lawyers are avaialble 24/7 to help you. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, explain your best options, and stand by you in front of the judge and jury if your case reaches a trial. To start building your defense, contact our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online today.
Norwalk, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
In this article, you can learn about how a Norwalk, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, the types of substances considered illegal in Norwalk, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and more.
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 Norwalk, CA
- Popular Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Crime Allegations in Norwalk, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Norwalk, CA
- What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Allegation FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Norwalk, CA, Today
- All Drug Crime Allegations Our Attorneys Defend Against
The Importance of a Norwalk, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Norwalk, CA. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning there's always a risk of felony consequences.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer without hesitation is to help you interpret the law. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug trafficking case, and your drug defense attorney needs to know how to defend your particular charges.
The second reason to contact a local Norwalk, CA, drug charges lawyer right away 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 defense attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
Additionally, your drug charges lawyer will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Connecting with a lawyer early prevents the state from getting a lead on you, and we can even move to dismiss charges if we can act before the state builds a compelling case.
Common Drug Types in Norwalk, CA, Legal Cases:
When you work with a Norwalk, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. In the following section, we've listed 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 | Also known as MDMA, Molly, and E. This affects the brain's ability to process serotonin. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug that can be either a powdered form or a solid rock (Crack) Long term use can dampen the brain's reward pathway. |
| Methamphetamine | A man-made drug that temporarily boosts energy, while harming the body. |
| Opioids | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A highly refined type of opioid. 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. |
Sentences vary significantly based on the type of drug, how much there was, prior record, and the act you're being accused of. 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 drug and amount involved.
- Fentanyl is treated extra seriously: 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.
- Federal charges carry their own, generally harsher, sentencing structure.
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 us for a free case review and we'll help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Norwalk, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which contains THC, a chemical compound with psychoactive properties. Smoking marijuana used to be illegal in California, but in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Because it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Norwalk, CA, frequently have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. As an example, driving with an open package of marijuana is illegal, even if you are sober.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- Generally, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Norwalk, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're up against marijuana-related charges, we are ready for your case. 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 Norwalk, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Norwalk, CA. We help defendants fight against all kinds of drug crime allegations. 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
The most common drug charges in Norwalk, 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 Norwalk, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, and can protect your freedom through diversionary programs, if applicable.
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
Accusations of drug production, transportation, and distribution take on the other side of a drug deal: The alleged 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. Sentences for these charges can be even more severe — 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 stand 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 Norwalk, 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. The distinction is that the federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from manufacturing to running a drug ring, but normally it will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. If you're accused of this, you're up against truly severe penalties, 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 seasoned criminal defense lawyer with the resources to fight the federal prosecutor. Our team of attorneys will protect your rights, research applicable laws, dissect the case against you, and do whatever we can to secure a favorable outcome for your case.
Norwalk, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases can include a wide range of circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. Legal regulations often make these charges more serious than typical DUIs. For example, you can be arrested 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 Norwalk, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — for most DUI accusations, 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 Norwalk, CA, it can be a challenge trying to decide which one to represent you. Your life may depend on it, after all.
These are the main qualities you want to find in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting these cases in court
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Existing Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your local county
- A History of Positive Outcomes versus the prosecution in drug cases
- Availability Anytime because emergencies don't always happen in business hours
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we embody each of these qualities. We have over 50 years of combined courtroom experience, including as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We offer legal services throughout California. And we have delivered many victories for our clients.
We don't make false promises about your case, and you can get a hold of us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. Everyone in the Norwalk, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a unique defense strategy 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: If you did hold or transport illegal drugs, but weren't aware of it, you shouldn't be found guilty because you didn't mean to break the law.
- 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 some cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into breaking a drug law, you can be found innocent of the criminal charges.
- 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 someone's accused you of a drug crime in Norwalk, CA, call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley today.
Norwalk, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Norwalk has diversion and treatment options available, which your Norwalk, CA, drug charges lawyer can try to utilize in your case. To qualify, defendants must fit certain criteria. 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 advantage of PC 1000 is that you don't end up with a conviction on your record — after completing the program, the case against you is dismissed. This helps you avoid many of a conviction's collateral consequences.
Proposition 36 (2024)
Proposition 36, as opposed to PC 1000, targets alleged offenders with an existing criminal record. It took its current form in 2024, and it approach drug offense diversion from a unique angle.
Under the current 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.
While this doesn't automatically keep people out of jail, it 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, with a prison sentence of up to three years. 2024's Proposition 36 also increased potential penalties for large quantities of certain substances and updated firearm-related enhancement laws to include fentanyl on the list of relevant substances.
Your Norwalk, CA, drug charges lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify for options that keep you out of court, help you decide what route to take, and stand by your side no matter which route you take.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
If you are not a U.S. citizen, you might have to defend yourself against removal as well as criminal charges — 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 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.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is normally 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 supposed to tell you about these immigration consequences before you make a plea. Our firm works hard to find outcomes — such as a plea deal to another, non-drug charge, 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, you need to get expert help as soon as you're aware of an investigation. If you are an immigrant facing any drug charge, tell your attorney immediately — this materially changes how your case should be defended.
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 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 — ask your attorney what applies to your specific case.
Do I have to talk to police if I'm caught with drugs?
No. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent during questioning. Politely but firmly refuse to answer any questions outside of providing your identity, and ask for a lawyer right away — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Norwalk, 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 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?
The main difference is in who can apply to each program: For PC 1000, first-time, low-level possession alleged offenders can get the charges dropped through a treatment and drug testing program. 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.
Does Norwalk, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Norwalk, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. This isn't true for every drug charge in Norwalk, though: More serious allegations like trafficking are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
Don't Gamble With Your Freedom: Talk to Our Norwalk, CA, Drug Charges Lawyers Today
These charges need to be treated seriously Your freedom is important, and it depends on picking the right law firm. We are ready to take your case.
The Norwalk, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley have experience defending against countless drug crime accusations. 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.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Norwalk, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Norwalk drug crimes defense attorney now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to schedule 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)
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