Drug Charges Lawyer in Perris, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Perris, CA. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These laws regulate substances from prescription medications 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 representation that will fight for your freedom. You need Perris, CA's premier criminal defense lawyer in your corner. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Perris drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will give you honest advice, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To start building your defense, contact our team at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online today.
Perris, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can read about the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Perris, CA, the types of substances considered illegal in Perris, the key factors you want your defense team to have, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and more.
To focus on a specific topic, you can use the links below to jump ahead and learn more:
- The Importance of Working With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Perris, CA
- Common Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Perris, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Perris
- What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Perris, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Perris, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Attorneys Defend Against
Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Perris, CA, NOW
Drug charges in Perris, CA, always need to be taken seriously. 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 need a drug charges lawyer without hesitation is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a possession-for-sale case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to defend against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to contact a local Perris, CA, drug charges lawyer as soon as you've been accused is to stop yourself from making a mistake. After a police interview without proper legal representation, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. Your 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. Early intervention gives you a head start against the state, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Perris, CA:
When deciding on a Perris, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who can defend charges related to the specific kind of drug in the allegations. Below, we've outlined what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Perris, CA.
| 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. Use can cause both mood and psychedelic effects. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant which can cause intense effects Long term use can dampen the brain's reward pathway. |
| Methamphetamine | A stimulant known to affect people's energy levels and emotional stability. |
| 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 by substance, how much there was, your criminal record, and the accusation you're facing. 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 typically charged as felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific drug and quantity 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.
Every case is unique, and it can be hard to find answers on your own — call our office for a free case review and we'll walk you through what you're actually facing.
Marijuana in Perris, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which is popularly smoked to get high. 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) cases in Perris, CA, frequently 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
- In most cases, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Perris, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, our attorneys 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.
Drug Charge Categories in Perris, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Perris, CA. Whatever charges you are facing, we're ready to defend your innocence. 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
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Perris, 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 Perris, CA, drug charges lawyer fight for illegally obtained evidence to be thrown out, and can advocate for diversionary programs to keep you out of jail.
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
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. 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). 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. 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 can be very different from each other, but one thing connects them together: They don't exist in a vacuum. In order to be charged with an enhancement, you first need to face a different criminal charge.
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 isn't a 'category' in the same way that the above types of charges are. The distinction is that the federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from trafficking to drug smuggling, but most often will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. The penalties are often much harsher, 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 fight the federal prosecutor. Our team of attorneys will protect your rights, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a favorable result for your case.
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 prescription drug usage. What's worse, you can be taken into custody if there is any amount of THC in your system while driving (as opposed to alcohol).
When accused of this type of charge, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Perris, CA, DUI defense lawyer who argue for you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Don't wait to get help — in most cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
Qualities in a Good Drug Charges Defense Lawyer
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Perris, CA, to take your case, it can feel impossible 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 look for in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Vast Experience fighting against these charges
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A Reputation of Delivering Victories versus the prosecution in drug cases
- Availability Anytime in case an emergency occurs and you need help
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, our firm fulfills all of these requirements. We have over 50 years of combined legal experience, including working for the district attorney's office. We know judges and attorneys 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 something new develops.
Ways Our Lawyers Defend Against Drug Charges
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. No two cases in Perris, CA, are identical, and you should have a tailored defense strategy to protect you.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Here are some strong strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: This can suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained.
- Lack of Intent: Most laws surrounding drugs only make it a crime if you intend to break them.
- Not Your 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 cannot be held liable for doing so.
- 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: In some cases, where it's not reasonable for the alleged offender to have the charges dropped entirely, a positive outcome can still be achieved through a plea deal.
If you need a drug crimes defense attorney in Perris, CA, call an attorney at our offices 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. Below are two of the most relevant programs:
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 main reason people like to take advantage of PC 1000 is it prevents a conviction from going on your record. This protects you from many of a conviction's collateral consequences.
Proposition 36 (2024)
Proposition 36 is another diversion program, designed to help people accused of repeat drug offenses. It was passed in 2024, and is distinct from a previous version of Proposition 36 passed in 2000. It takes a different approach than a typical diversion program.
Under the modern version, 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. While this doesn't automatically keep people out of jail, it creates a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, you avoid a conviction; fail or refuse treatment, and you face the felony charge, and risking up to three years behind bars. 2024's Proposition 36 also increased sentencing exposure tied to drug quantity for certain substances and added fentanyl to the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements.
Your Perris, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, help you decide what route to take, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
How a Drug Conviction in Perris, CA, Affects Immigration Status
For immigrants in Perris, CA, 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 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 regardless of whether the state court sentence includes any jail time.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is ordinarilly enough to qualify for removal, 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 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. 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 defends your legal status in the country, as well as your criminal record.
Because a criminal record can bring immigration consequences regardless of the sentence, it's important to avoid mistakes from the very start of your case. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder fighting 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?
An arrest can appear on some background checks even without a conviction. Diversion programs such as PC 1000 or Proposition 36 can help. If you participate in one of these, you may be eligible to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — ask your attorney what applies to your specific case.
If the police catch me with drugs in my possession, do I have to answer their questions?
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 an attorney immediately — if you say the wrong thing, you could end up facing harsher charges.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Perris, CA?
Many drug convictions can be expunged under Penal Code 1203.4 once probation is successfully completed, 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 non-citizens need support from a lawyer who can handle both criminal and immigration defense.
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. Which one applies depends on your charge and criminal history.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Perris, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Perris, 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.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Be Your Perris, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
These charges need to be treated seriously Your freedom is important, and it depends on working with the right attorney. 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 have relationships in courts across California. 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 Perris, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Perris drug crimes defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to set up a confidential review of your case.
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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