Drug Charges Lawyer in Calabasas, CA. There's no such thing as a "good" drug charge to be accused of in Calabasas, CA. Everything from manufacturing to simple possession can send you to jail. These charges can include all kinds of substances from methamphetamine to fentanyl. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
Get help before it's too late. You need Calabasas, CA's leading criminal defense lawyer on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Calabasas drug charges lawyers will be by your side from day one. We will explore possible defenses, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and represent you all the way through trial. To start building your defense, call our team at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form right away.
Calabasas, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you can learn about the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Calabasas, CA, categories of drug crime allegations in Calabasas, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and more.
To learn about a specific topic, click on the appropriate link in the following menu to jump ahead and learn more:
- Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Calabasas, CA, NOW
- Popular Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Categories of Drug Crime Allegations in Calabasas, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Calabasas
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Calabasas, CA, Today
- Every Drug Charge Our Team Will Fight Against
Don't Waste Time: Contact a Calabasas, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer RIGHT AWAY
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Calabasas, 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 need a drug charges lawyer right away is to explain the charges. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug manufacturing case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to defend your particular charges.
The second reason to contact a local Calabasas, CA, drug charges lawyer right away is to lower your chances of doing something you shouldn't. After a police interview without proper legal representation, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. Your defense attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
On top of that, your drug charges attorney will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Connecting with a lawyer early lets us build a defense before the prosecution has completed its case, and can even give you a better chance of having the court dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Calabasas, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties:
When picking a Calabasas, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who knows how the prosecution treats different drug types. In the following section, you can read about what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Calabasas, CA.
| 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 man-made psychoactive drug. Long term use may impair an individual's memory and learning abilities. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant that can be either a powdered form or a solid rock (Crack) Its use can harm the brain, as well as several other organs. |
| Methamphetamine | A man-made drug that temporarily boosts energy, while harming the body. |
| Opioids | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A highly refined type of opioid. 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 the type of drug, quantity, your criminal record, and the type of charge. 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, and the sentence can change based on the specific drug and amount involved.
- Fentanyl cases are particularly harsh: 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.
There's no simple method to tell what kind of sentence you're facing based on your charges. Our drug defense attorneys can help — call us for a free case evaluation and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Calabasas, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which contains THC, a chemical compound with psychoactive properties. While the state used to have laws against its use, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, letting people use it recreationally.
Since local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) accusations in Calabasas, CA, typically often revolve around who was using it and whether that person was exceeding legal limits. For example, it's legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational use, but growing a seventh is a crime.
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 for personal use
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Calabasas, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, our attorneys are ready for your case. For example, we can demonstrate that you had the legal right to possess marijuana, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Drug Charge Categories in Calabasas, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Calabasas, 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
The most common drug charges in Calabasas, CA, are often those related to possession. All illegal chemicals can fall under this umbrella, and these charges can apply regardless of where the drugs were physically at, as long as you controlled them.
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance
- Hard Drug Possession
Your Calabasas, CA, drug charges lawyer fight for illegally obtained evidence to be thrown out, and can advocate for diversionary programs to keep you out of jail.
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
While drug possession and use charges target the buyer, drug production, transportation, and distribution charges target the 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 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. 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). 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 one thing connects them together: They don't stand on their own. To be charged with an enhancement, you first need to face a different criminal charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Calabasas, 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 U.S. government is prosecuting you, not just the Calabasas district attorney.
These can include anything from manufacturing to drug smuggling, 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.
It's hard to think of many charges worse to face than this. And you need a a leading criminal defense lawyer with the resources to battle the federal prosecutor. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, develop a strong defense strategy, review evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a positive result for your case.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Calabasas, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Calabasas, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases can include a several situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. 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 up against this type of charge, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Calabasas, 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 accusations, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Calabasas, CA, it can feel impossible trying to decide who will best represent you. With so much at stake, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
Here are the top factors you want to find in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Vast Experience fighting against these charges
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A Track Record of Positive Outcomes 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 five decades of combined courtroom experience, including former prosecutors. We offer legal services throughout California. And we have delivered positive results for Californians.
We don't make false promises about your case, and you can talk to us 24/7 if you need anything from our offices.
Powerful Drug Crime Accusation Defenses
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. Everyone in the Calabasas, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a tailored defense strategy to protect you.
While we use some common base strategies, we'll build your defense out to fit your unique circumstances. Below are some powerful strategies your drug charges lawyer will consider:
- Illegal Search and Seizure: This can suppress evidence that was unlawfully obtained.
- 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: 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 violating the law, you cannot be held liable for doing so.
- 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: 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've been accused of a drug crime in Calabasas, CA, reach out to one of our attorneys for immediate help.
Calabasas, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Calabasas has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Calabasas, 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. 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 prevents you from going through 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 works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the 2024 law, 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.
Rather than an automatic alternative to jail, this creates a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, and the case can be dismissed with the arrest 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. The law 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 Calabasas, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, advocate for that path where it's available, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Calabasas, 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.
Under federal immigration law, a conviction for almost any controlled substance offense can make a non-citizen deportable, 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 even if you weren't given jail time on your conviction.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare substances) is normally enough to qualify for removal, 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 and create barriers to appeals efforts.
- 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. Our firm works hard to find outcomes — such as a plea to a non-drug offense, or a disposition that avoids 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 materially changes how your case should be defended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a drug charge show up on a background check even if the case is dismissed?
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 — ask your attorney what applies to your specific case.
Do I have to talk to police if I'm caught with drugs?
No. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent during questioning. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and ask for an attorney immediately — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in Calabasas, 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 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 to work with an experienced drug crimes attorney who also practices immigration law.
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. 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. Which one applies depends on your charge and criminal history.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Calabasas, CA?
Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is typically a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. Distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are different, though: These are normally treated as felonies, even for a first-time offender.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Calabasas, CA, Today
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." Your future matters, and it depends on working with the right defense attorney. We are ready to take your case.
The Calabasas, 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 Calabasas, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Calabasas drug defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a free, confidential 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)
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