Drug Charges Lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, CA. Whatever drug accusations you're facing in Santa Fe Springs, CA, it's not an easy thing to handle. It's possible for what could be a simple possession charge to be elevated into possession for sale or even trafficking. These laws cover substances from cannabis to opioids. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
Stop these charges before it becomes a worst-case scenario. You need Santa Fe Springs, CA's leading criminal defense lawyer defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Santa Fe Springs drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will give you honest advice, discuss defense tactics, and represent you all the way through trial. To begin building your defense, reach out to our legal team at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online today.
Santa Fe Springs, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you can read about how a Santa Fe Springs, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, categories of drug crime allegations in Santa Fe Springs, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Santa Fe Springs.
If you want to read about a specific topic, click on the appropriate link in the list below to jump ahead and learn more:
- What Your Santa Fe Springs, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Santa Fe Springs, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Santa Fe Springs, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Santa Fe Springs
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Possible Defenses That We Use in Drug Cases
- Santa Fe Springs, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, CA, Today
- Every Drug Charge Our Attorneys Defend Against
The Importance of a Santa Fe Springs, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Santa Fe Springs, CA. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning you can always face an extended stay in jail.
The first reason you should work with a drug charges lawyer right away is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug manufacturing case, and your drug defense attorney should have strategies to fight your particular charges.
The second reason to call a local Santa Fe Springs, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to stop yourself from making a mistake. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. A drug charges attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
On top of that, your drug charges lawyer will open doors for new strategies through plea negotiations. Connecting with a lawyer early 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 Santa Fe Springs, CA, Legal Cases:
When picking a Santa Fe Springs, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should pick somone who knows how the prosecution treats different drug types. 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 | 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. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant 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 class of drugs, including both natural and synthetic types. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A highly refined type of opioid. Courts and prosecutors often treat heroin charges harshly. |
| 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. |
Potential legal consequences vary significantly based on the type of drug, quantity, your criminal record, and whether the charge is possession, possession-for-sale, or sale/transport. For some typical accusations:
- 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 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) 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 Santa Fe Springs, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a mind-altering substance derived from a plant leaf. While the state used to have laws against its use, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Because it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) accusations in Santa Fe Springs, CA, typically have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was 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
- In most cases, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Santa Fe Springs, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, your lawyer 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 Santa Fe Springs, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Santa Fe Springs, CA. We help defendants fight against all kinds of drug crime allegations. 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
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in Santa Fe Springs, 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 Santa Fe Springs, CA, drug charges lawyer can help by arguing that the drugs were not actually yours, 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 has its own specific statute in 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
A conviction of one of these charges typically means a much longer prison sentence than for simple 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: 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). 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 qualify 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 Santa Fe Springs, 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 could fall into any of the three categories above. What sets these apart is that you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Santa Fe Springs prosecutor.
These can include anything from production to transportation to taking part in a drug conspiracy, but to get the attention of the federal government, it typically will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. If you're accused of this, you're up against truly severe penalties, up to and including life imprisonment 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 with the resources to fight the United States government. Our office will conduct investigations, research applicable laws, challenge evidence, and make every effort to secure a favorable outcome for your case.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Santa Fe Springs, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Santa Fe Springs, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases cover a many different circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to driving after taking certain medications. 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 accused of drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a leading Santa Fe Springs, 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 cases, you need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest.
Qualities in a Good Drug Charges Defense Lawyer
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, CA, to take your case, it can be overwhelming trying to decide the right person to represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
These are the main qualities you want to see in your drug defense attorney:
- Vast Experience fighting against these charges
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A Reputation of Delivering Success versus the prosecution in drug cases
- Availability Anytime because emergencies don't always happen in business hours
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we can deliver on all of these needs. 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 Californians.
We will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can get a hold of us 24/7 if something new develops.
Powerful Drug Crime Accusation Defenses
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. Everyone in the Santa Fe Springs, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a tailored defense strategy to protect you.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Below are some staunch 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.
- Didn't Belong to You: 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 officer coerced you into buying or using illicit drugs, 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: 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 you need a drug crimes defense attorney in Santa Fe Springs, CA, reach out to an attorney at our offices today.
Santa Fe Springs, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Santa Fe Springs has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Santa Fe Springs, CA, drug charges lawyer about whether or not they apply to your case. To qualify, defendants must meet legal guidelines. These are some of the :
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is often a very helpful, positive outcome for individuals accused of simple possession. The program typically includes drug education classes, requirements to stay sober, and regular drug testing. The advantage of PC 1000 is that you don't end up with a conviction on your record — after completing the program, the case against you is dismissed. This prevents you from going through 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; if you don't take this option, you'll have to fight the felony charge, with a prison sentence of up to three years. The law also heightened potential drug crime sentences, depending on the quantity and type of substance, and added fentanyl to the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements.
Your Santa Fe Springs, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, advocate for that path where it's available, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
How a Drug Conviction in Santa Fe Springs, CA, Affects Immigration Status
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Santa Fe Springs, CA, on a work visa, 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 narrow 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 applies regardless of whether the state court sentence includes any jail time.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (for the majority of drugs) is ordinarilly a deportable offense, 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 significantly more serious. They are often considered 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 supposed 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 the conviction, regardless of the sentence, has such a big immigration impact, it's important to avoid mistakes from the very start of your case. If you are an immigrant fighting a drug crime allegation, tell your attorney immediately — this materially changes how your case should be defended.
Drug Allegation Defense Frequently Asked Questions
If my drug charges are dismissed, can anyone still see them?
An arrest can appear on some background checks even without a conviction. 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 — 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 are not required to answer any self-incriminating questions during an interrogation. 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 Santa Fe Springs, 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 eligibility depends on the specific charge and your record. 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 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 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.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Santa Fe Springs, CA?
Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is typically a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. This isn't true for every drug charge in Santa Fe Springs, 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.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Santa Fe Springs, CA, Today
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on partnering with the right attorney. We are ready to take your case.
The Santa Fe Springs, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley have experience defending against countless drug crime accusations. We have former prosecutors on our team who know how the state builds its case. We explore every avenue to find the right path forward for our clients.
We also aid with the following legal services in Santa Fe Springs, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to your Santa Fe Springs drug charges lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to schedule a no-strings review of your charges.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Santa Fe Springs, 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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