Drug Charges Lawyer in Chatsworth, CA. Whatever drug accusations you're facing in Chatsworth, CA, it's not an easy thing to handle. Possession of a controlled substance is bad enough, but it's even worse if you're charged with dealing or distributing drugs. These laws cover substances from cannabis to opioids. But they all share one thing in common: Major legal consequences.
You need someone who can guide you to a positive outcome. You need Chatsworth, CA's leading criminal defense law firm on your case. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Chatsworth drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will give you honest advice, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To start fighting the charges, call us at (800) 755-5174 or set up a free, confidential consultation right away.
Chatsworth, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can learn about the importance of having a drug defense lawyer in Chatsworth, CA, categories of drug crime allegations in Chatsworth, the key factors you want your defense team to have, strategies we may use in your case, and diversionary programs we can help you explore.
If you want to read about a specific topic, you can use the links in the list below to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- What Your Chatsworth, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Common Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Crime Allegations in Chatsworth, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Chatsworth
- 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 Crime FAQs
- Get in Touch With a Drug Charges Lawyer in Chatsworth, CA, Today
- All Drug Crime Allegations Our Team Will Fight Against
Get Help From a Chatsworth, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
There's no such thing as a "minor" drug charge in Chatsworth, CA. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning you're risking years in prison.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer immediately is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case looks very different from a drug manufacturing case, and your drug defense attorney should understand how to defend each.
The second reason to contact a local Chatsworth, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process is to protect yourself from mistakes. When you say the wrong thing to a state representative, what was once just a possession charge could now be a trafficking charge. Your defense attorney can help you talk to police the right way, instead of incriminating yourself.
On top of that, your drug charges attorney 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 we can even move to dismiss charges if we can act before the state builds a compelling case.
Common Drug Types in Chatsworth, CA, Legal Cases:
When you work with a Chatsworth, CA, drug charges lawyer, you want someone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. In the following section, 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 synthetic drug closely related to methamphetamine. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug which can cause intense effects Its use can harm the brain, as well as several other organs. |
| Methamphetamine | A stimulant known to affect people's energy levels and emotional stability. |
| Opioids | A category of addictive painkillers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A very addictive substance, and one of the most dangerous opioids. The state tends to impose harsh penalties in heroin cases. |
| 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. |
Sentences vary significantly based on the type of drug, quantity, prior record, and the act you're being accused of. 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 substance and quantity 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.
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 our office for a free case evaluation and we'll walk you through what you're actually facing.
Marijuana in Chatsworth, 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 California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) cases in Chatsworth, CA, frequently have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. For 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:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- Generally, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Chatsworth, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of 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 make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Charges a Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer Will Fight in Chatsworth, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Chatsworth, 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
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Chatsworth, 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 Chatsworth, 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: 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
These allegations are almost always considered more serious than possession. On top of fighting the charges, your drug defense attorney can help you explore plea deals, if they make sense for your case.
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. 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. With the help of an experienced Chatsworth, 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 stand 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 Chatsworth, 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 distinction is that you're fighting against the federal government instead of the local Chatsworth prosecutor.
These can include anything from manufacturing to taking part in a drug conspiracy, 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.
It's hard to think of many charges worse to face than this. And you need a an experienced criminal defense lawyer who has the strength to match the federal prosecutor. Our team of attorneys will conduct investigations, research applicable laws, dissect the case against you, and do whatever we can to secure a favorable outcome for your case.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Chatsworth, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Chatsworth, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases cover a several circumstances, 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 alcoholwhich only has a "zero tolerance" law people who are underage).
When up against drug DUI charges, you need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Chatsworth, 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, if you wait longer than ten days to request a hearing, you lose your chance.
Top Chatsworth, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Qualitites
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Chatsworth, CA, to take your case, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which one to represent you. With so much at stake, you don't want to make the wrong choice.
These are the main qualities you want to see in your drug defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting against these charges
- Intimate Knowledge of how the state builds its case against you
- Existing Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your local county
- A Track Record 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 can deliver on all of these needs. We have over five decades of combined courtroom 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 will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can call us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
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 Chatsworth, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, and you should have a unique defense strategy to match.
Our attorneys treat every client as an individual. Here are some strong 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.
- 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 officer coerced you into breaking a drug law, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- 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 need a drug crimes defense attorney in Chatsworth, CA, call one of our attorneys today.
Chatsworth, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Chatsworth has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Chatsworth, CA, drug charges lawyer what you can do to increase your chances of entering one of these programs.
To qualify, defendants must fit certain criteria. 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, sobriety requirements, and regular drug testing. The main reason people like to take advantage of PC 1000 is it prevents a conviction from going on your record. This helps you avoid 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 works differently than a traditional diversion program.
Under the current 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, and risking up to three years behind bars. The law also heightened potential drug crime sentences, depending on the quantity and type of substance, and updated the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements to include fentanyl.
Your Chatsworth, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, explore sentencing and charge alternatives with you, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Chatsworth, CA, on a work visa, a drug conviction can be far more damaging than the criminal penalty alone — 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 a sole 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 regardless of whether the state court sentence includes any jail time.
Some important things to keep in mind:
- Simple possession for personal use (other than certain rare 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 supposed to advise a client of these immigration consequences before a plea is entered. We will fight for an outcome — such as a plea deal to another, non-drug charge, or a disposition that doesn't include specific "aggravated felony" language — that defends your legal status in the country, as well as your criminal record.
Because immigration consequences are triggered by conviction, not just sentence, decisions made early in a criminal case can matter as much as, or more than, the eventual sentence itself. If you are a non-citizen up against a drug crime allegation, tell your attorney immediately — this plays a major role in your case, and your lawyer should help you on both fronts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a drug charge show up on a background check even if the case is dismissed?
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.
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 a lawyer 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 Chatsworth, 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. 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. 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 Chatsworth, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
For most first-time possession cases in Chatsworth, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. 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 Chatsworth, CA, Today
These charges need to be treated seriously Your future matters, and it depends on partnering with the right defense lawyer. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Chatsworth, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley have experience defending against countless drug crime accusations. We have relationships in courts across California. We will build a strong defense for you against your charges.
We also aid with the following legal services in Chatsworth, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to your Chatsworth drug charges lawyer right away at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online for a no-strings review of your charges.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Chatsworth, 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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