Drug Charges Lawyer in Corona, CA. Drug crimes in Corona, 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 charges can include all kinds of substances from prescription medications to heroin. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
Stop these charges before it becomes a worst-case scenario. You need Corona, CA's leading criminal defense lawyer on your case. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Corona drug charges lawyers are avaialble 24/7 to help you. We will listen to you explain your side of the story, discuss defense tactics, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To start building your defense, reach out to our law offices at (800) 755-5174 or send us a note online right away.
Corona, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
Below, you can learn about what a Corona, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, the types of substances considered illegal in Corona, the qualities your attorney should have, strategies we may use in your case, and more.
If you want to read about a specific topic, you can use the links below to skip ahead and learn more:
- What Your Corona, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Corona, CA, Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Categories of Drug Charges in Corona, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Corona
- 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
- Contact Your Corona, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All Drug Crime Allegations Our Lawyers Defend Against
Get Help From a Corona, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer IMMEDIATELY
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Corona, 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 should work with a drug charges lawyer as soon as possible is to help you interpret the law. A simple possession case needs a different strategy than a possession-for-sale case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to fight each.
The second reason to contact a local Corona, CA, drug charges lawyer early in the defense process is to lower your chances of doing something you shouldn't. After a police interview without proper legal representation, the charges could be elevated and the state's case strengthened. Your defense attorney can help you talk to police the right way, instead of incriminating yourself.
Lastly, your drug charges attorney 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 can even give you a better chance of having the court dismiss charges if we can act before the state builds a compelling case.
Common Drug Types in Corona, CA, Legal Cases:
When you work with a Corona, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should pick somone who has experience with the type of drug you're facing allegation for. Below, we've outlined some of the substances against which we have practice defending related charges.
| Drug Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Prescription Drugs | While most prescription drugs are technically legal, it can be illegal to possess or use them without permission. |
| Ecstacy | Also known as MDMA, Molly, and E. Long term use may impair an individual's memory and learning abilities. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug which can cause intense effects 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 | 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. |
Potential legal consequences vary significantly based on the type of drug, quantity, prior record, and whether the charge is possession, possession-for-sale, or sale/transport. As an overview:
- 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 typically charged as felonies, and the sentence can change based on the specific drug and quantity 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.
Every case is unique, and it can be hard to find answers on your own — call us for a free case evaluation and we'll help you find a strategy to minimize negative consequences.
Marijuana in Corona, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which is popularly smoked to get high. While the state used to have laws against its use, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Since California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) cases in Corona, CA, most often often revolve around who was using it and whether that person was exceeding legal limits. 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:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- In most cases, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for recreational purposes
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Corona, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you're facing marijuana-related charges, we can help. For example, we can show the legality of your ownership, show that you did not violate any regulations, and/or show off the proper regulatory procedures which you adhered to.
Drug Charge Categories in Corona, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Corona, CA. Whatever charges you are facing, we're ready to defend your innocence. 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
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in Corona, CA. These can be charged for any illegal substance 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 Corona, 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: Health and Safety Code 11350 covers most hard drug possession accusations, 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
A conviction of one of these charges typically means a much longer prison sentence than for simple possession. A positive outcome in these cases is often taking a plea deal for a lesser charge. Your drug crimes defense attorney can help you negotiate a favorable deal.
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. 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 can be very different from each other, but all have one thing in common: They don't stand on their own. Before you can be charged with an enhancement, there has to be another criminal accusation.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Corona, 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. What sets these apart is that the U.S. government is prosecuting you, not just the Corona district attorney.
These can include anything from production to transportation to running a drug ring, 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.
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 match the United States government. Our firm will conduct investigations, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a favorable result for your case.
Corona, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
There isn't one single law that completely covers DUIs involving illegal substances. Drug DUI defense cases cover a wide range of situations, 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 alcohol).
When accused of this type of charge, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Corona, CA, DUI defense lawyer who fight on your behalf 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.
What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
When you are considering your options for a drug charges lawyer in Corona, CA, it can feel impossible 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 look for in your drug crimes defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting these cases in court
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Existing Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A Track Record of Success against the state for these charges
- 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 legal experience, including working for the district attorney's office. We offer legal services throughout California. And we have delivered many victories for our clients.
We will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can talk to us 24/7 if you need anything from our offices.
Possible Defense Tactics Against Drug Charges
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. The details are different for every criminal case in Corona, CA, and you should have a customized defense plan to protect you.
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: 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 some cases, if an undercover officer coerced you into breaking a drug law, 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 you've been accused of a drug crime in Corona, CA, reach out to an attorney at our offices now.
Corona, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Corona has diversion and treatment options available, which your Corona, CA, drug charges lawyer can try to utilize in 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. It generally involves drug education classes, sobriety requirements, 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 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 modern 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.
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, and risking up to three years behind bars. 2024's Proposition 36 also increased potential penalties for large quantities of certain substances and updated firearm-related enhancement laws to include fentanyl on the list of relevant substances.
Your Corona, CA, drug charges lawyer will help you navigate treatment-mandated felony charges, help you decide what route to take, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
For immigrants in Corona, CA, you might have to defend yourself against removal as well as criminal charges — fortunately, the Law Offices of David S. Chesley is experienced in both criminal defense and immigration law.
Most drug charge convictions are grounds for deportation, but there is a sole 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 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 generally grounds for deportation, 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 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 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 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 up against a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — this plays a major role in your case, and your lawyer should help you on both fronts.
Drug Allegation Defense 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 — an attorney can help you explore 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 decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and ask for an attorney immediately — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can I get my record sealed after a drug conviction in Corona, 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. 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. 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.
Does Corona, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Corona, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. Possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are generally felonies regardless of prior record.
Talk to a Drug Charges Defense Lawyer in Corona, CA, Today
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on working with the right defense team. Our team is ready to stand by your side.
The Corona, 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 build a strong defense for you against your charges.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley also offers the following legal services in Corona, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Speak to your Corona drug charges defense lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or contact us online for a no-strings review of your charges.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Corona, 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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