Drug Charges Lawyer in Redlands, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Redlands, CA. It's possible for what could be a simple possession charge to be elevated into possession for sale or even trafficking. These statutes regulate substances from marijuana to heroin. But they all share one thing in common: Major legal consequences.
Don't let these accusations derail your life. You need Redlands, CA's premier criminal defense law firm on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Redlands drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, discuss defense tactics, and represent you all the way through trial. To begin fighting the charges, reach out to our attorneys at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation right away.
Redlands, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
In this article, you can read about what a Redlands, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, categories of drug crime allegations in Redlands, the qualities your attorney should have, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and more.
To learn about a particular topic, click on the appropriate link in the list below to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- What Your Redlands, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Redlands, CA, Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Redlands, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Redlands
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Redlands, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Contact Your Redlands, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All Drug Crime Allegations Our Team Will Defend Against
Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Redlands, CA, NOW
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Redlands, CA. The same action can be interpreted by the state in multiple ways, meaning you're risking felony consequences.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer without hesitation is to explain the charges. A simple possession case takes a different set of skills than a drug manufacturing case, and your drug defense attorney should have strategies to fight your particular charges.
The second reason to get in touch with a local Redlands, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to protect yourself from mistakes. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, the charges could be elevated and the state's case strengthened. A drug charges attorney can help you talk to police the right way, instead of incriminating yourself.
Additionally, your drug charges lawyer will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Early intervention lets us build a defense before the prosecution has completed its case, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Common Drug Types in Redlands, CA, Legal Cases:
When picking a Redlands, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who can defend charges related to the specific kind of drug in the allegations. In the following section, we've listed what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Redlands, 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 synthetic drug closely related to methamphetamine. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug derived from a South American plant 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 | A category of addictive painkillers. 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. |
Penalties vary significantly by substance, quantity, your criminal record, and whether the charge is possession, possession-for-sale, or sale/transport. 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, and the sentence can change based 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.
- 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 help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Redlands, 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, letting people use it recreationally.
Because local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Redlands, 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:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- Generally, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Redlands, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, your lawyer will fight to defend you. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, demonstrate that you did not exceed state limits, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Drug Charge Categories in Redlands, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Redlands, 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 Redlands, CA. 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 Redlands, 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 specifically falls under HS 11377. Generally, these possession charges are handled as misdemeanors.
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 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 Redlands, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). For these felony charges, 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). 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 qualify on their own. Before you can be charged with an enhancement, you first need to face a different criminal charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Redlands, 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 production to transportation to running a drug ring, 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.
These are some of the most serious charges you can possibly face. And you need a a seasoned criminal defense lawyer who's prepared to fight the federal prosecutor. Our office will learn your side of the story, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a favorable result for you.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Redlands, CA
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases can include a wide range of 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 facing this type of charge, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Redlands, CA, DUI defense lawyer who argue for 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.
Top Redlands, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Qualitites
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Redlands, CA, to take your case, it can be a challenge trying to decide which one to represent you. With so much at stake, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
Here are the top factors you want to see in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Extensive Experience defending clients in your situation
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Existing Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A Track Record of Success when fighting drug charges for clients
- 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 legal experience, including as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We know judges and attorneys throughout California. And we have delivered positive results 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 have any questions or concerns.
Possible Defense Tactics 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 Redlands, CA, and you should have a unique defense plan to match.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Here are some compelling 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: If the substance in question was, in fact, illegal, but belonged to another person, you shouldn't face possession charges.
- 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: This isn't an option for every offense and type of drug, but some accusations can be alleviated if you were legally prescribed the substance.
- 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 Redlands, CA, reach out to one of our attorneys now.
Redlands, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Redlands has diversion and treatment options available, which your Redlands, 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. If you participate in this, you can expect to participate in drug education classes, requirements to stay sober, 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, 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 current version, what was originally a misdemeanor charge can be instead charged as a "treatment-mandated felony." This is only an option if the accused person has two or more previous drug-related convictions on their record.
While this doesn't automatically keep people out of jail, it creates a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, and the underlying drug charge case is dropped (the arrest record will remain, but is sealed); if you don't take this option, you'll have to fight the felony charge, including up to three years in custody. The law 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 Redlands, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, explore sentencing and charge alternatives with you, and stand by your side no matter which route you take.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Redlands, CA, on a work visa, 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 specific exception: a simple possession charge with 30 grams or less of marijuana (not for distribution). 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.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (for the majority of drugs) is generally grounds for deportation, 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 far more likely to be treated 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 required to inform you about these immigration implications prior to entering your plea. Our firm works hard to find outcomes — such as a plea deal to another, non-drug charge, 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, it's important to avoid mistakes from the very start of your case. If you are an immigrant fighting a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Drug Charge Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm not found guilty, do drug charges appear on a background check?
Even if there isn't a criminal conviction, a background check can still show your arrest. Diversion programs such as PC 1000 or Proposition 36 can help. If you participate in one of these, you may be able to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — your drug charges defense lawyer can help you navigate these options.
Do I have to talk to police if I'm caught with drugs?
No. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. 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 Redlands, CA?
If you were given probation, you may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, though this can be affected based on the charge you were convicted of, and any previous convictions. This isn't as definitive of an answer in regards to immigration, though: The federal government will still be able to see the conviction, 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. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
Does Redlands, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
For most first-time possession cases in Redlands, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. Possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are generally felonies regardless of prior record.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Redlands, CA, Today
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on partnering with the right defense attorney. Fortunately, we're here to help.
The Redlands, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. We have relationships in courts across California. We explore every avenue to find the right path forward for our clients.
We also aid with the following legal services in Redlands, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to your Redlands drug defense attorney right away at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to set up a confidential review of your case.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Redlands, 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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