Drug Charges Lawyer in Pasadena, CA. Drug crimes in Pasadena, 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 laws regulate substances from prescription medications to heroin. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
You need representation that will fight for your freedom. You need Pasadena, CA's leading criminal defense law firm in your corner. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Pasadena drug charges lawyers are avaialble 24/7 to help you. We will explore possible defenses, explain your best options, and stand by you in front of the judge and jury if your case reaches a trial. To start fighting the charges, call our law offices at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation today.
Pasadena, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, we will go over the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Pasadena, CA, the types of substances considered illegal in Pasadena, the key factors you want your defense team to have, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and more.
If you want to read about a specific topic, you can use the links in the following menu to jump ahead and learn more:
- Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Pasadena, CA, NOW
- Popular Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Categories of Drug Charges in Pasadena, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Pasadena, CA
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Pasadena, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
- Every Drug Charge Our Firm Will Defend Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Pasadena, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Pasadena, CA, it's a big deal, no matter what. The same action can be interpreted by the state in multiple ways, meaning there's always a risk of felony consequences.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer immediately is to help you interpret the law. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug trafficking case, and your defense attorney should understand how to fight each.
The second reason to call a local Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyer first thing in your case is to lower your chances of doing something you shouldn't. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. A drug charges defense attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
On top of that, your drug charges lawyer will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Early intervention gives you a head start against the state, and can even give you a better chance of having the court dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Pasadena, CA:
When you work with a Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. Below, 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. Use can cause both mood and psychedelic effects. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant that can be either a powdered form or a solid rock (Crack) 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 | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | An extremely dangerous drug made by processing morphine. 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 based on the type of drug, how much there was, any prior convictions, and the accusation you're facing. For some typical accusations:
- 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 are more serious charges. Most accusations are felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific drug and amount involved.
- Fentanyl carries additional exposure: 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.
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 evaluation and we'll help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Pasadena, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from a plant leaf. California used to outlaw the use of marijuana, however, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Since local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) accusations in Pasadena, CA, frequently often revolve around who was using it and whether that person was exceeding legal limits. As an 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 for personal use
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Pasadena, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, we are ready for your case. For example, we can argue that you were permitted to have cannabis, demonstrate that you did not exceed state limits, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Drug Charge Categories in Pasadena, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Pasadena, CA. We help defendants fight against all kinds of drug crime allegations. In the below sections, you can learn about categories of drug crimes and some of the relevant statutes.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in Pasadena, CA. All illegal chemicals can fall under this umbrella, and these charges can apply regardless of where the drugs were physically at, as long as you controlled them.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Hard Drug Possession
Your Pasadena, 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: 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 is instead covered by 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 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: The two main possession for sale charges you will see in Pasadena, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). As a straight felony, 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 may seem very different, but one thing connects them together: 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 Pasadena, 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 could fall into any of the three categories above. What sets these apart is that the federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from production to transportation to taking part in a drug conspiracy, but most often will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. Sentences are often more severe, 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 an experienced criminal defense lawyer with the resources to fight the federal prosecutor. Our office will conduct investigations, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and do whatever we can to secure a favorable outcome for your case.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Pasadena, CA
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Pasadena, 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 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 need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Pasadena, CA, DUI defense lawyer who fight on your behalf both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Don't wait to get help — for most DUI accusations, if you wait longer than ten days to request a hearing, you lose your chance.
What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in Pasadena, CA, it can be a challenge trying to decide which one to represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
Here are the top factors you want to find in your drug defense attorney:
- Vast Experience defending clients in your situation
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your local county
- A Track Record of Victories 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 can deliver on all of these needs. 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 positive results for Californians.
You can trust us to always be upfront with your case, and you can call us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Possible Defense Tactics Against Drug Charges
The statute you violated may not be unique, but your case is. Everyone in the Pasadena, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a customized defense plan to match.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Below are some of the possible 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: Most laws surrounding drugs only make it a crime if you intend to break them.
- Somone Else's 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 some cases, if an undercover police 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: 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 Pasadena, CA, call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley today.
Pasadena, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Pasadena has diversion and treatment options available, which your Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyer can try to utilize in 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 often a very helpful, positive outcome for individuals accused of simple possession. The program typically includes 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 prevents you from going through 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 current rules, 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.
Rather than an automatic alternative to jail, this creates 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, including up to three years in custody. 2024's Proposition 36 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 Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, help you decide what route to take, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
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 — and this is an area where our firm's dual criminal defense and immigration practice gives clients a real advantage.
The federal government can initiate removal proceedings for most drug convictions, with one narrow exception: marijuana charges for no more than 30 grams of the substance, and only intended it for person use, not sale. This applies to lawful permanent residents ("green card" holders) as well as visa holders, and it can be a factor independent of whether or not the conviction includes a jail sentence.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is normally 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 not treated as lightly. They are typically classified as 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 tell you about these immigration consequences before you make a 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 the conviction, regardless of the sentence, has such a big immigration impact, decisions made early in a criminal case can matter as much as, or more than, the eventual sentence itself. If you are an immigrant facing any 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
If I'm not found guilty, do drug charges appear on a background check?
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 able to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — an attorney can help you explore these options.
Do I need to answer police questions if I have illegal drugs on me?
No. You are not required to answer any self-incriminating questions during an interrogation. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and request counsel immediately — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in Pasadena, 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 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 applies to repeat offenders facing a treatment-mandated felony and requires completing a court-supervised treatment program to avoid the felony consequences. To learn more about how to explore these paths, speak to an attorney today.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Pasadena, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Pasadena, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. Distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are different, though: These are normally treated as felonies, even for a first-time offender.
Don't Gamble With Your Freedom: Talk to Our Pasadena, CA, Drug Charges Lawyers Today
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on working with the right law firm. Fortunately, we're here to help.
The Pasadena, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes 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 Pasadena, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact your Pasadena drug defense attorney right away at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to schedule a free 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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