Drug Charges Lawyer in Torrance, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Torrance, CA. Everything from manufacturing to simple possession can send you to jail. These charges can include all kinds of substances from prescription medications to heroin. The fallout from a drug crime conviction can turn your world upside down.
You need representation that will fight for your freedom. You need Torrance, CA's leading criminal defense lawyer on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Torrance drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will explore possible defenses, discuss defense tactics, and stand by you in front of the judge and jury if your case reaches a trial. To begin fighting the charges, reach out to our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation right away.
Torrance, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, we will go over how a Torrance, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, the types of substances considered illegal in Torrance, the qualities your attorney should have, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and more.
To focus on a particular topic, click on the appropriate link below to jump ahead and learn more:
- The Importance of Working With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Torrance, CA
- Common Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Charges in Torrance, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Torrance, CA
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- Torrance, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Contact Your Torrance, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All the Drug Charges Our Team Will Defend Against
The Importance of a Torrance, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Torrance, CA. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning you're risking years in prison.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer without hesitation is to help you interpret the law. A simple possession case shouldn't be treated the same as a drug manufacturing case, and your drug defense attorney should understand how to fight your particular charges.
The second reason to get in touch with a local Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to stop yourself from making a mistake. If you say something incorrect in an interrogation, the charges could be elevated and the state's case strengthened. A drug charges lawyer can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
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 we act early enough.
Torrance, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties:
When deciding on a Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who knows how the prosecution treats different drug types. Below, we've listed 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 that can be either a powdered form or a solid rock (Crack) It is taken in a variety of ways. |
| Methamphetamine | A man-made drug that temporarily boosts energy, while harming the body. |
| 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 based on substance, how much there was, your criminal record, and whether the charge is possession, possession-for-sale, or sale/transport. As a general framework:
- 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, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific drug and amount 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.
- Federal charges carry their own, generally harsher, sentencing structure.
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 help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Torrance, 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, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Because California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) cases in Torrance, CA, frequently center around when and where it is used. 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:
- 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
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Torrance, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, we 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 make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Torrance, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Torrance, CA. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. 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
The most common drug charges in Torrance, CA, are often those related to possession. These can be charged for any illegal substance 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 Torrance, 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: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under 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
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 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: Possession for sale generally falls under HS 11351 (most controlled substances) or HS 11378 (methamphetamine). As a straight 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 Torrance, 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 cover a variety of situations, but one thing connects them together: They don't exist in a vacuum. In order to be charged with an enhancement, there has to be another criminal accusation.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Torrance, 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 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. If you're accused of this, you're up against truly severe penalties, 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 battle the United States government. Our office will conduct investigations, research applicable laws, challenge evidence, and make every effort to secure a positive result for you.
Torrance, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Torrance, CA: DUIs. 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 has a legal limit).
When accused of drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Torrance, CA, DUI defense lawyer who fight on your behalf both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Don't wait to get help — for most DUI 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 Torrance, 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.
Here are the top factors you want to see in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Vast Experience defending clients in your situation
- Personal Experience as a prosecutor
- Existing Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A Track Record 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, 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 offer legal services throughout California. And we have a history of delivering positive outcomes for Californians.
We don't make false promises about your case, and you can call us 24/7 if something new develops.
Possible Defense Tactics Against Drug Charges
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. No two cases in Torrance, CA, are identical, and you should have a unique defense strategy to match.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Below are some strong strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: If the police searched you, your vehicle, or your dwelling without either probable cause or a warrant, that evidence can be thrown out.
- 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 police officer coerced you into violating the law, you can be found innocent of the criminal charges.
- Prescription: These defenses hinge on your medical status, and if a doctor prescribed you a given substance.
- Plea Negotiations: Plea negotiations not only reduce the level of charges you're facing, but can also open up diversion avenues.
If you need a drug crimes defense attorney in Torrance, CA, reach out to our firm for immediate help.
Torrance, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Torrance has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Torrance, 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 a very desirable outcome for many people facing drug charges. It generally involves 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 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 2024 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, and the underlying drug charge case is dropped (the arrest record will remain, but is sealed); you can opt to refuse treatment, but you'll be up against the underlying felony charge, with a prison sentence of up to three years. 2024's Proposition 36 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 Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify for treatment options, explore sentencing and charge alternatives with you, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
For immigrants in Torrance, CA, you're facing even more serious consequences than a U.S. citizen — you need a law firm who can help you fight the criminal charges and defend you in immigration court, if necessary.
The federal government can initiate removal proceedings for most drug convictions, with one specific exception: a single offense involving possession of 30 grams or less of marijuana for personal use. 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.
Important factors to be aware of:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is normally a deportable offense, 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 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 to a non-drug offense, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — that may preserve a client's ability to stay in the country.
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 fighting a drug charge, 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 my drug charges are dismissed, can anyone still see them?
Even if there isn't a criminal conviction, a background check can still show your arrest. If you were able to take advantage of a diversion program like PC 1000 or Proposition 36, you may be able 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. You have the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney. Be respectful to the police, but do not provide any information besides your identity, and ask for an attorney 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 Torrance, CA?
If you were given probation, you may be eligible for expungement under Penal Code 1203.4, though eligibility depends on the specific charge and your record. An expungement does not erase a conviction for federal immigration purposes, 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?
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. 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. To learn more about how to explore these paths, speak to an attorney today.
If I don't have a record, will my drug possession charge be a felony in Torrance, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Torrance, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. This isn't true for every drug charge in Torrance, though: More serious allegations like trafficking are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
Get Help Now: Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley for a Drug Charges Lawyer in Torrance, CA
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." Your freedom is important, and it depends on picking the right defense team. Fortunately, we're here to help.
The Torrance, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. We defend all kinds of major criminal charges, including drug crime allegations. We will always be honest with you and will fight for the best outcome possible.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Torrance, CA:
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to your Torrance drug defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a confidential case evaluation.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Torrance, 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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