Drug Charges Lawyer in Perris, CA. Drug crimes in Perris, 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 marijuana to opioids. Regardless of the type of substance or specific law you're accused of breaking, on your own, you're staring down massive punishments if convicted.
You need someone who can guide you to a positive outcome. You need Perris, CA's leading criminal defense lawyer on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Perris drug charges lawyers will be by your side from day one. We will research the statute in detail, explain your best options, and stand by you in front of the judge and jury if your case reaches a trial. To begin fighting the charges, contact our attorneys at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online now.
Perris, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
In this article, we will go over what a Perris, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, categories of drug crime allegations in Perris, the qualities your attorney should have, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Perris.
If you want to read about a particular topic, click on the appropriate link in the following menu to jump ahead and learn more:
- Top Reasons to Work With a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Perris, CA
- Popular Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Categories of Drug Crime Allegations in Perris, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Perris, CA
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Perris, CA, Today
- All Drug Crime Allegations Our Lawyers Defend Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Perris, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
Drug charges in Perris, CA, always need to be taken seriously. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning you're risking years in prison.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer as soon as possible is to explain the charges. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug trafficking case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to defend your particular charges.
The second reason to contact a local Perris, 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, the charges could be elevated and the state's case strengthened. A drug charges lawyer can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
Finally, 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 we can even move to dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Common Drug Types in Perris, CA, Legal Cases:
When deciding on a Perris, 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 outlined some of the most common substances that are the center of illegal drug cases in the state.
| 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 | A synthetic drug closely related to methamphetamine. Use can cause both mood and psychedelic effects. |
| 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 | A class of drugs, including both prescription medications and fully illegal types. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A very addictive substance, and one of the most dangerous opioids. Courts and prosecutors often treat heroin charges harshly. |
| 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. |
Potential legal consequences vary significantly based on the type of drug, quantity, prior record, and the act you're being accused of. As an overview:
- 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, and the sentence can change based on the specific substance 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.
Every case is unique, and it can be hard to find answers on your own — call us for a free case review and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Perris, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which is popularly smoked to get high. While the state used to have laws against its use, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Since it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) accusations in Perris, CA, frequently center around when and where it is used. 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:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- Generally, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Perris, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, we will fight to defend you. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Charges a Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Will Fight in Perris, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Perris, 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 Perris, 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 Perris, 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 specifically falls under 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 allegations are almost always considered more serious than possession. 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: The two main possession for sale charges you will see in Perris, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). 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 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 Perris, 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 you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Perris prosecutor.
These can include anything from trafficking to taking part in a drug conspiracy, but normally it will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. Sentences are often more severe, such as a life sentence and substantial fines.
These are some of the most serious charges you can possibly face. And you need a an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has the strength to match the United States government. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, develop a strong defense strategy, review evidence, and make every effort to secure a favorable result for you.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Perris, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Perris, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases can include a many different situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by prescribed medication. What's worse, 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 facing this type of charge, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Perris, CA, DUI defense lawyer who will fight your case 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.
Qualities in a Good Drug Charges Defense Lawyer
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Perris, CA, it can be overwhelming 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 crimes defense attorney:
- Vast Experience fighting these cases in court
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your local county
- A Reputation of Delivering Success against the state for these charges
- Availability Anytime because emergencies don't always happen in business hours
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our firm fulfills all of these requirements. We have over five decades of combined courtroom experience, including as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We know judges and attorneys throughout California. And we have a history of delivering positive outcomes for our clients.
We will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can talk to us 24/7 if you need anything from our offices.
Ways Our Lawyers Defend Against Drug Charges
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. The details are different for every criminal case in Perris, CA, and you should have a tailored defense plan to match.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Here are some compelling 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.
- Didn't Belong to You: This defense can be used if there were, in fact, drugs present, but you had no control or ownership over them.
- Entrapment: In rare cases, if an undercover police officer coerced you into buying or using illicit drugs, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- 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 Perris, CA, contact one of our lawyers for immediate help.
Perris, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Perris has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Perris, CA, drug charges lawyer about whether or not they apply to 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 is an option that can give you a way to stay out of prison without going through a trial. It generally involves 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 prevents you from going through 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 takes a different approach than a typical diversion program.
Under the 2024 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, you avoid a conviction; if you don't take this option, you'll have to fight the felony charge, and risking up to three years behind bars. 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 Perris, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, advocate for that path where it's available, and stand by your side no matter which route you take.
How a Drug Conviction in Perris, CA, Affects Immigration Status
For immigrants in Perris, CA, you're facing even more serious consequences than a U.S. citizen — 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 a sole exception: a single offense involving possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use. This can affect 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.
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" — this means that you'll have access to some important immigration relief options.
- Possession for sale, sale, or trafficking convictions are far more likely to be treated 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 tell you about these immigration consequences before you make a 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 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 a non-citizen up against a drug charge, tell your attorney immediately — this materially changes how your case should be defended.
Drug Charge 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 your case is resolved through PC 1000 or a completed Prop 36 treatment program, you may be eligible to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — ask your attorney what applies to your specific case.
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 immediately — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can I expunge a previous drug conviction in Perris, 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. An expungement does not erase a conviction for federal immigration purposes, which is why green card and visa holders 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. Which one applies depends on your charge and criminal history.
Does Perris, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Perris, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. This isn't true for every drug charge in Perris, though: More serious allegations like distribution are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Perris, CA, Today
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." Your future matters, and it depends on picking the right defense lawyer. Fortunately, we're here to help.
The Perris, 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 are prepared to defend you against a variety of drug charges, both misdemeanor and felony. We will always be honest with you and will fight for the best outcome possible.
We also aid with the following legal services in Perris, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to your Perris drug charges defense lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a confidential case evaluation.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Perris, 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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