Drug Charges Lawyer in Carson, CA. There's no such thing as a "good" drug charge to be accused of in Carson, CA. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These laws cover substances from prescription medications to fentanyl. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
Get help before it's too late. You need Carson, CA's premier criminal defense lawyer on your side. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Carson drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and represent you all the way through trial. To begin fighting the charges, contact our representatives at (800) 755-5174 or ask about a free case review online right away.
Carson, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you can read about the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Carson, CA, categories of drug crime allegations in Carson, the qualities your attorney should have, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and diversionary programs we can help you explore.
If you want to read about a specific topic, click on the appropriate link below to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- What Your Carson, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Popular Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Crime Allegations in Carson, CA
- DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Carson, CA
- What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
- Possible Defenses That We Use in Drug Cases
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- How a Drug Conviction Can Impact Immigration Status
- Drug Charge FAQs
- Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Carson, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Firm Will Defend Against
Get Help From a Carson, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Carson, 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 as soon as possible is to explain the charges. A simple possession case shouldn't be treated the same as a drug manufacturing case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to defend your particular charges.
The second reason to call a local Carson, CA, drug charges lawyer first thing in your case is to stop yourself from making a mistake. If you say something incorrect in an interrogation, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. Your attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
Finally, your drug charges lawyer will open doors for new strategies through plea negotiations. Connecting with a lawyer early prevents the state from getting a lead on you, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Carson, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties:
When deciding on a Carson, 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 some of the most common substances that are the center of illegal drug cases in the state.
| 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 man-made psychoactive drug. This affects the brain's ability to process serotonin. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant 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 class of drugs, including both prescription medications and fully illegal types. 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, your criminal record, and the accusation you're facing. 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 quantity 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.
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 review and we'll walk you through what you're actually facing.
Marijuana in Carson, 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.
Since local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) accusations in Carson, CA, typically have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. For example, driving with an open package of marijuana is illegal, even if you are sober.
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 Carson, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, we can help. For example, we can argue that you were permitted to have cannabis, demonstrate that you did not exceed state limits, and/or make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Drug Charge Categories in Carson, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Carson, CA. We are prepared to fight against accusations including possession, sale, and special enhancements. In the below sections, you can learn about categories of drug crimes and some of the relevant statutes.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
The most common drug charges in Carson, CA, are often those related to possession. 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 Carson, CA, drug charges lawyer can help by arguing that the drugs were not actually yours, 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 is instead covered by HS 11377. Generally, these possession charges are handled as misdemeanors.
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 drug crimes defense lawyer can help you negotiate a plea to a less serious offense.
Relevant statutes: The two main possession for sale charges you will see in Carson, CA, are HS 11351 (for most substances) and HS 11378 (specifically for methamphetamine). When charged as a felony, each is punishable by two, three, or four years in state prison and fines up to $20,000. HS 11352 converse sale or transportaiont charges for most substances, while HS 11379 does the same for 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 can be very different from each other, but they share one common attribute: They don't stand on their own. In order to be charged with an enhancement, there has to be another criminal accusation.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Carson, 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 can come from any category of alleged drug offense. What sets these apart is that the U.S. government is prosecuting you, not just the Carson district attorney.
These can include anything from manufacturing to running a drug ring, but most often will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. The penalties are often much harsher, such as a life sentence and substantial fines.
These are some of the most serious charges you can possibly face. And you need a an experienced criminal defense lawyer with the resources to match the United States government. Our firm will conduct investigations, look for legal loopholes, review evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a positive outcome for your case.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Carson, CA
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases can include a wide range of circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to driving after taking certain medications. What's worse, you can be taken into custody 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 don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a leading Carson, CA, DUI defense lawyer who defend you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. But you need to act fast — for most DUI cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
Top Carson, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Qualitites
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Carson, CA, 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 find in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Extensive Experience defending clients in your situation
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A History of Victories 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, we embody each of these qualities. We have over five decades of combined courtroom experience, including as both prosecutors and defense attorneys. We offer legal services 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 call us 24/7 if something new develops.
Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. Everyone in the Carson, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a customized defense plan to protect you.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. 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: Most laws surrounding drugs only make it a crime if you intend to break them.
- Not Your 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 buying or using illicit drugs, 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: Plea negotiations not only reduce the level of charges you're facing, but can also open up diversion avenues.
If someone's accused you of a drug crime in Carson, CA, call one of our attorneys today.
Carson, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Carson has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Carson, 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. If you participate in this, you can expect to participate in drug education classes, sobriety requirements, 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 protects you from 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 approach drug offense diversion from a unique angle.
Under the current rules, 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.
Rather than an automatic alternative to jail, this creates 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, including up to three years in custody. 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 Carson, CA, drug charges lawyer can help you understand whether you qualify for legal alternatives, help you decide what route to take, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
For immigrants in Carson, CA, you're facing even more serious consequences than a U.S. citizen — fortunately, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is experienced in both criminal defense and immigration law.
The federal government can initiate removal proceedings for most drug convictions, with one specific exception: a simple possession charge with 30 grams or less of marijuana (not for distribution). 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.
Important factors to be aware of:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most 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 significantly more serious. They are often considered aggravated felonies, which can trigger mandatory deportation and become a long-lasting problem if you apply to enter the United States again.
- How a charge is pleaded matters enormously. Under Padilla v. Kentucky, defense counsel has a constitutional duty 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 for a different offense, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — which minimizes your chances of being deported.
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 a lawful permanent resident or visa holder up against 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 my drug charges are dismissed, can anyone still see them?
An arrest can appear on some background checks even without a conviction. Diversion programs such as PC 1000 or Proposition 36 can help. If you participate in one of these, 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 need to answer police questions if I have illegal drugs on me?
No. The Fifth Amendment gives you the right to remain silent during questioning. Politely but firmly refuse to answer any questions outside of providing your identity, and ask for an attorney immediately — if you say the wrong thing, you could end up facing harsher charges.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Carson, 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 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. Which one applies depends on your charge and criminal history.
Does Carson, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
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 Carson, 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.
Don't Gamble With Your Freedom: Talk to Our Carson, CA, Drug Charges Lawyers Today
These charges need to be treated seriously Your freedom is important, and it depends on working with the right defense attorney. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Carson, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. We have former prosecutors on our team who know how the state builds its case. We will always be honest with you and will fight for the best outcome possible.
We also aid with the following legal services in Carson, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Carson drug charges lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online to set up a no-strings review of your case.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Carson, 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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