Drug Charges Lawyer in Redondo Beach, CA. There's no such thing as a "good" drug charge to be accused of in Redondo Beach, CA. Possession of a controlled substance is bad enough, but it's even worse if you're charged with dealing or distributing drugs. These laws cover substances from cannabis to fentanyl. The fallout from a drug crime conviction can turn your world upside down.
Get help before it's too late. You need Redondo Beach, CA's leading criminal defense law firm on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Redondo Beach drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, discuss defense tactics, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To begin building your defense, contact our team at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation right away.
Redondo Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can learn about how a Redondo Beach, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, categories of drug crime allegations in Redondo Beach, the key factors you want your defense team to have, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Redondo Beach.
To focus on a specific topic, you can use the links in the following menu to skip ahead and learn more:
- What Your Redondo Beach, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Common Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Categories of Drug Charges in Redondo Beach, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Redondo Beach, CA
- What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- Redondo Beach, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Contact Your Redondo Beach, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- Every Drug Charge Our Lawyers Defend Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Redondo Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Redondo Beach, CA, it's a big deal, no matter what. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning you're risking an extended stay in jail.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer immediately 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 fight against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to contact a local Redondo Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to stop yourself from making a mistake. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. Your attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
Lastly, your drug charges lawyer will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Acting fast lets us build a defense before the prosecution has completed its case, and we can even move to dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Common Drug Types in Redondo Beach, CA, Legal Cases:
When deciding on a Redondo Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should pick somone 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 drug which can cause intense effects 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 highly refined type of opioid. The state tends to impose harsh penalties in heroin cases. |
| Fentanyl | An extremely dangerous type of opioid — roughly 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine, according to the DEA. |
Penalties vary significantly based on substance, quantity, any prior convictions, 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 rarely treated as misdemeanors. They're often felonies, and the sentence can change based on the specific drug 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.
- Most of the time, federal drug charges result in harsher, longer sentences.
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 walk you through what you're actually facing.
Marijuana in Redondo Beach, 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) accusations in Redondo Beach, CA, most often have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. As an 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
- Typically, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Redondo Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're up against marijuana-related charges, our attorneys are ready for your case. For example, we can argue that you were permitted to have cannabis, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Redondo Beach, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Redondo Beach, 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 Redondo Beach, 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 Redondo Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, and can be by your side every step of the way.
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 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
Accusations of drug production, transportation, and distribution take on the other side of a drug deal: The alleged 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
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: HS 11351 covers standard drug dealing charges, formally known as "possession for sale." The exception is methamphetamine, which is covered by HS 11378. When charged as a 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. With the help of an experienced Redondo Beach, 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 may seem very different, but one thing connects them together: They don't stand 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 Redondo Beach, 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 difference is that the federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from trafficking to running a drug ring, but to get the attention of the federal government, it typically will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. Sentences are often more severe, such as a life sentence 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 who has the strength to fight the United States government. Our office will learn your side of the story, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and do whatever we can to secure a positive outcome for you.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Redondo Beach, CA
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Redondo Beach, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. 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. Legal regulations often make these charges more serious than typical DUIs. For example, you can be arrested 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 a skillful Redondo Beach, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Don't wait to get help — for most DUI cases, you need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest.
How to Find the Right Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in Redondo Beach, CA, it can be overwhelming trying to decide who will best represent you. Your life may depend on it, after all.
These are the main qualities you want to look for in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting against these charges
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A History of Positive Outcomes when fighting drug charges for clients
- Availability Anytime so that you can get help when you need it most
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 working for the district attorney's office. We offer legal services throughout California. And we have delivered many victories for Californians.
We will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can call 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. The details are different for every criminal case in Redondo Beach, CA, and you should have a unique defense strategy to protect you.
We'll listen to your story and craft a powerful defense to fit. Here are some staunch 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: If you did hold or transport illegal drugs, but weren't aware of it, you shouldn't be found guilty because you didn't mean to break the law.
- Somone Else's Drugs: This defense can be used if there were, in fact, drugs present, but you had no control or ownership over 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: 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 Redondo Beach, CA, get in touch with one of our attorneys now.
Redondo Beach, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Redondo Beach has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Redondo Beach, 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, 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, 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 version, 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; you can opt to refuse treatment, but you'll be up against the underlying 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 Redondo Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony 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 Redondo Beach, CA, Affects Immigration Status
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Redondo Beach, CA, on a work visa, a drug conviction can be far more damaging than the criminal penalty alone — 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 single offense involving possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use. This can impact lawful permanent residents ("green card" holders) as well as visa holders, and it applies even if you weren't given jail time on your conviction.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is ordinarilly 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 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 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, it's important to avoid mistakes from the very start of your case. If you are a non-citizen facing any drug case, tell your attorney immediately — this materially changes how your case should be defended.
Frequently Asked Questions
If my drug charges are dismissed, can anyone still see them?
Even if you're not convicted of the underlying charge, a background check can still show the 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 — 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. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Politely but firmly refuse to answer any questions outside of providing your identity, and request counsel immediately — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Redondo Beach, 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 immigration-aware counsel handling both the criminal case and any later cleanup.
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 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. To learn more about how to explore these paths, speak to an attorney today.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Redondo Beach, CA?
For most first-time possession cases in Redondo Beach, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. This isn't true for every drug charge in Redondo Beach, though: More serious allegations like selling drugs 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 Redondo Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on picking the right attorney. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Redondo Beach, 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 will build a strong defense for you against your charges.
Our firm can also assist you with the following legal services in Redondo Beach, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Redondo Beach drug charges defense lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online to schedule a free review of your charges.
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)
Payment Plans
