Drug Charges Lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA. There's no such thing as a "good" drug charge to be accused of in Pico Rivera, CA. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These charges can include all kinds of 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 Pico Rivera, CA's leading criminal defense law firm on your case. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Pico Rivera drug charges lawyers will be by your side from day one. 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 fighting the charges, reach out to us at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation now.
Pico Rivera, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you can learn about what a Pico Rivera, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, the types of substances considered illegal in Pico Rivera, the qualities your attorney should have, strategies we may use in your case, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Pico Rivera.
If you want to read about a particular topic, you can use the links in the list below to jump ahead and learn more:
- Top Reasons to Work With a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Pico Rivera, CA
- Pico Rivera, CA, Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Pico Rivera, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Pico Rivera
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Pico Rivera, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, Today
- Every Drug Charge Our Firm Will Defend Against
The Importance of a Pico Rivera, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
Drug charges in Pico Rivera, CA, always need to be taken seriously. The same action can be interpreted by the state in multiple ways, meaning there's always a risk of an extended stay in jail.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer without hesitation is to explain the charges. A simple possession case looks very different from a drug trafficking case, and your defense attorney should understand how to defend each.
The second reason to get in touch with a local Pico Rivera, CA, drug charges lawyer first thing in your case is to protect yourself from mistakes. 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 advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
Additionally, your drug charges attorney will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Connecting with a lawyer early 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 Pico Rivera, CA:
When you work with a Pico Rivera, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who can defend charges related to the specific kind of drug in the allegations. In the following section, you can read about some of the most common substances that are the center of illegal drug cases in the state.
| Drug Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | Charges often revolve around having a technically legal drug without permission, or selling it to someone you aren't supposed to. |
| Ecstacy | A man-made psychoactive drug. This affects the brain's ability to process serotonin. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug derived from a South American plant Its use can harm the brain, as well as several other organs. |
| 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 very addictive substance, and one of the most dangerous opioids. 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. |
Potential legal consequences vary significantly by substance, how much there was, prior record, and the act you're being accused of. As an overview:
- 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 are more serious charges. Most accusations are felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific substance 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.
- Most of the time, federal drug charges result in harsher, longer sentences.
Because the numbers shift based on the specific facts of a case, the exact exposure you're facing should be evaluated by an attorney who can review your charge sheet and criminal history — call us for a free case evaluation and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Pico Rivera, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from a plant leaf. Smoking marijuana used to be illegal in California, but in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Since it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) accusations in Pico Rivera, CA, most often center around when and where it is used. As an example, driving with an open package of marijuana is illegal, even if you are sober.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- Generally, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Pico Rivera, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're up against marijuana-related charges, we are ready for your case. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Drug Charge Categories in Pico Rivera, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Pico Rivera, 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
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Pico Rivera, 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 Pico Rivera, 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. 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 allegations are almost always considered more serious than possession. A drug crimes defense lawyer can help you negotiate a plea to a less serious offense.
Relevant statutes: HS 11351 covers standard drug dealing charges, formally known as "possession for sale." The exception is methamphetamine, which is covered by HS 11378. For these felony charges, each is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison and fines up to $20,000. Sale or transportation for sale is charged under HS 11352 (most substances) or HS 11379 (methamphetamine). These charges carry longer exposure — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. With the help of an experienced Pico Rivera, CA, drug charges lawyer, you can fight for a plea deal that reduces these charges and opens up diversion opportunities.
Drug Charge Enhancements
California's drug charge enhancement laws can be very different from each other, but they share one common attribute: They don't exist 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 Pico Rivera, 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. What sets these apart 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. Sentences are often more severe, 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 an experienced criminal defense lawyer who's prepared to battle the United States government. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, look for legal loopholes, challenge evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a favorable result for your case.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Pico Rivera, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Pico Rivera, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases can include a many different situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to driving after taking certain medications. What's worse, 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 a skillful Pico Rivera, CA, DUI defense lawyer who will fight your case both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. But you need to act fast — for most DUI cases, if you wait longer than ten days to request a hearing, you lose your chance.
What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Pico Rivera, CA, it can be a challenge trying to decide who will best represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
These are the main qualities you want to find in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Extensive Experience fighting against these charges
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A History of Victories when fighting drug charges for clients
- Availability Anytime in case an emergency occurs and you need help
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we embody each of these qualities. We have over five decades of combined legal experience, including former prosecutors. We have a wide reach with relationships across the state of California. And we have delivered many victories for Californians.
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.
Powerful Drug Crime Accusation Defenses
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. Everyone in the Pico Rivera, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a customized defense plan to protect you.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Here 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: 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 rare cases, if an undercover law enforcement agent coerced you into breaking a drug law, you can be found innocent of the criminal charges.
- 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've been accused of a drug crime in Pico Rivera, CA, reach out to an attorney at our offices now.
Pico Rivera, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Pico Rivera has diversion and treatment options available, which your Pico Rivera, CA, drug charges lawyer can try to utilize in your case. To qualify, defendants must meet legal guidelines. Here are a couple of programs that might apply in your case:
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is a very desirable outcome for many people facing drug charges. 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 helps you avoid 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 approach drug offense diversion from a unique angle.
Under the modern 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.
If you're facing this charge, you have a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, you avoid a conviction; fail or refuse treatment, and you face 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 added fentanyl to the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements.
Your Pico Rivera, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, explore sentencing and charge alternatives with you, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
How a Drug Conviction in Pico Rivera, CA, Affects 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.
Most drug charge convictions are grounds for deportation, but there is one narrow 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.
Important factors to be aware of:
- Simple possession for personal use (for the majority of drugs) is generally grounds for deportation, 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 not treated as lightly. They are typically classified as aggravated felonies, which can trigger mandatory deportation with little to no opportunity for relief or future re-entry.
- How a charge is pleaded matters enormously. Under Padilla v. Kentucky, defense counsel is supposed to advise a client of these immigration consequences before a plea is entered. 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 — which minimizes your chances of being deported.
Because a criminal record can bring immigration consequences regardless of the sentence, you need to get expert help as soon as you're aware of an investigation. If you are a non-citizen facing any drug crime allegation, tell your attorney immediately — this plays a major role in your case, and your lawyer should help you on both fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm not found guilty, do drug charges appear on a background check?
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 — an attorney can help you explore these options.
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. Be respectful to the police, but do not provide any information besides your identity, and request counsel right away — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Pico Rivera, 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 non-citizens 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?
PC 1000 is available for qualifying first-time or low-level possession offenses and leads to dismissal after completing education and testing requirements. 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. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Pico Rivera, CA?
For most first-time possession cases in Pico Rivera, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. This isn't true for every drug charge in Pico Rivera, though: More serious allegations like trafficking are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Be Your Pico Rivera, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges Your freedom is important, and it depends on picking the right lawyer. We are ready to take your case.
The Pico Rivera, 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 defend all kinds of major criminal charges, including drug crime allegations. 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 Pico Rivera, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to your Pico Rivera drug crimes defense attorney now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential case evaluation.
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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