Drug Charges Lawyer in Century City, CA. Drug crimes in Century City, CA, come in many forms. It's possible for what could be a simple possession charge to be elevated into possession for sale or even trafficking. These statutes regulate substances from methamphetamine to heroin. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
Get help before it's too late. You need Century City, CA's leading criminal defense attorney in your corner. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Century City drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, discuss defense tactics, and represent you all the way through trial. To begin fighting the charges, contact our legal team at (800) 755-5174 or ask about a free case review online today.
Century City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can read about what a Century City, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, categories of drug crime allegations in Century City, the most important things to look for in your defense lawyer, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and diversionary programs we can help you explore.
To learn about a particular topic, click on the appropriate link below to skip ahead and learn more:
- The Importance of Working With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Century City, CA
- Common Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Crime Allegations in Century City, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Century City
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
- Century City, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options
- Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
- Drug Crime FAQs
- Contact Your Century City, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All the Drug Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against
Get Help From a Century City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Century City, 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 without hesitation is to explain the charges. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a drug manufacturing case, and your drug defense attorney should understand how to defend your particular charges.
The second reason to call a local Century City, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process 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 defense attorney can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
On top of that, your drug charges lawyer 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 in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if we act early enough.
Common Drug Types in Century City, CA, Legal Cases:
When picking a Century City, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. In the following section, you can read about what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Century City, CA.
| 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 synthetic drug closely related to methamphetamine. Long term use may impair an individual's memory and learning abilities. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant derived from a South American plant It is taken in a variety of ways. |
| Methamphetamine | A man-made drug that temporarily boosts energy, while harming the body. |
| 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. |
Penalties vary significantly based on the type of drug, quantity, your criminal record, and the type of charge. As a general framework:
- Simple possession of most controlled substances is typically charged as a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in county jail, though certain substances and circumstances can elevate this.
- Possession for sale, sale, transport, or manufacturing are rarely treated as misdemeanors. They're often felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific drug and quantity 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.
- If the federal government accuses you of a drug crime, the potential penalties are often more serious.
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 get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Century City, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which contains THC, a chemical compound with psychoactive properties. Smoking marijuana used to be illegal in California, but in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, allowing it in recreational circumstances.
Because local laws allow for limited use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) allegations in Century City, CA, typically often revolve around who was using it and whether that person was exceeding legal limits. 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
- In most cases, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Still illegal to use or possess under federal law.
How Your Century City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, our attorneys can help. For example, we can demonstrate that you had the legal right to possess marijuana, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or show off the proper regulatory procedures which you adhered to.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Century City, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Century City, 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
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Century City, CA. All illegal chemicals can fall under this umbrella, 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 Century City, 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: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under Health and Safety Code 11350, while possession of methamphetamine specifically falls under 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 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: Possession for sale generally falls under HS 11351 (most controlled substances) or HS 11378 (methamphetamine). For these felony charges, 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. Sentences for these charges can be even more severe — up to nine years if the transportation crosses non-contiguous counties. A drug charges laywer who can negotiate your charges down is essential, if you want to become eligible for common diversion programs like PC 1000 or Proposition 36.
Drug Charge Enhancements
California's drug charge enhancement laws cover a variety of situations, but they share one common attribute: They don't exist on their own. Before you can be charged with an enhancement, you first need to face a different criminal charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Century City, 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 Century City district attorney.
These can include anything from manufacturing to taking part in a drug conspiracy, 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.
These are some of the most serious charges you can possibly face. And you need a a leading criminal defense lawyer who has the strength to battle the United States government. Our office will learn your side of the story, look for legal loopholes, challenge evidence, and do whatever we can to secure a positive result for you.
Century City, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Century City, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. Drug DUI defense cases can include a wide range of situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to prescription drug usage. What's worse, you can be taken into custody if there is any amount of THC in your system while driving (as opposed to alcohol).
When accused of drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Century City, 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 need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest.
Top Century City, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Qualitites
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Century City, CA, it can be overwhelming trying to decide who will best represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
Here are the top factors you want to see in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Vast Experience defending clients in your situation
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Existing Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A Reputation of Delivering Positive Outcomes against the state for these charges
- Availability Anytime in case an emergency occurs and you need help
At the Law Offices of David S. Chesley, we embody each of these qualities. We have over five decades of combined courtroom experience, including working for the district attorney's office. We have a wide reach with relationships across the state of California. And we have delivered many victories for Californians.
You can trust us to always be upfront with your case, and you can get a hold of us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Possible Defense Tactics Against Drug Charges
The statute you violated may not be unique, but your case is. No two cases in Century City, CA, are identical, and you should have a customized defense plan to match.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Here are some of the possible 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.
- Didn't Belong to You: This defense can be used if there were, in fact, drugs present, but you had no control or ownership over them.
- Entrapment: In rare cases, if an undercover 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 Century City, CA, reach out to one of our attorneys now.
Century City, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Century City has diversion and treatment options available — be sure to ask your Century City, CA, drug charges lawyer about whether or not they apply to your case. To qualify, defendants must meet legal guidelines. Below are two of the most relevant programs:
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is a very desirable outcome for many people facing drug charges. 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 helps you avoid 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 modern rules, 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. Rather than an automatic alternative to jail, this 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, and risking up to three years behind bars. The law also increased potential penalties for large quantities of certain substances and added fentanyl to the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements.
Your Century City, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, help you decide what route to take, and stand by your side no matter which route you take.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Century City, CA, on a work visa, a drug conviction can be far more damaging than the criminal penalty alone — 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 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 regardless of whether the state court sentence includes any jail time.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (for most substances) is generally 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 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 is required to advise a client of these immigration consequences before a plea is entered. We will fight for an outcome — such as a plea to a non-drug 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, decisions made early in a criminal case can matter as much as, or more than, the eventual sentence itself. If you are a lawful permanent resident or visa holder up against a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — this materially changes how your case should be defended.
Drug Charge Frequently Asked Questions
If I'm not found guilty, do drug charges appear on a background check?
Even if there isn't a criminal conviction, a background check can still show your arrest. If your case is resolved through PC 1000 or a completed Prop 36 treatment program, you may be able 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 an attorney right away — if you say the wrong thing, you could end up facing harsher charges.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Century City, 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 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?
PC 1000 is available for qualifying first-time or low-level possession offenses and leads to dismissal after completing education and testing requirements. 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. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
Does Century City, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
For most first-time possession cases in Century City, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. This isn't true for every drug charge in Century City, 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 Century City, CA
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on picking the right lawyer. We are ready to take your case.
The Century City, 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 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 Century City, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to your Century City drug charges defense lawyer today at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a confidential review of your case.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Century City, 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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