Drug Charges Lawyer in Glendale, CA. There's no such thing as a "good" drug charge to be accused of in Glendale, CA. It's possible for what could be a simple possession charge to be elevated into possession for sale or even trafficking. These laws regulate substances from marijuana to opioids. But they all share one thing in common: Major legal consequences.
Don't let these accusations derail your life. You need Glendale, CA's leading criminal defense law firm in your corner. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Glendale drug charges lawyers are ready for your case today. We will give you honest advice, discuss defense tactics, and represent you all the way through trial. To start building your defense, contact our law offices at (800) 755-5174 or ask about a free case review online now.
Glendale, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
In this article, you can read about what a Glendale, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, the types of substances considered illegal in Glendale, the qualities your attorney should have, gameplans our attorneys use against drug accusations, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Glendale.
If you want to read about a specific topic, you can use the links below to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- What Your Glendale, CA, Drug Crimes Lawyer Will Do For You
- Common Drug Types and Potential Penalties
- Categories of Drug Crime Allegations in Glendale, CA
- How Drugs Can Affect DUI Charges in Glendale
- What to Look For in a Drug Charges Lawyer
- Types of Defenses We Build Against Drug Allegations
- 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 Glendale, CA, Today
- All the Drug Charges Our Firm Will Fight Against
The Importance of a Glendale, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
Drug charges in Glendale, CA, always need to be taken seriously. There can be leeway in what the prosecution decides to charge you with, meaning you can always face felony consequences.
The first reason you need a drug charges lawyer right away is to help you understand the charges. A simple possession case takes a different set of skills than a possession-for-sale case, and your defense attorney needs to know how to fight each.
The second reason to call a local Glendale, CA, drug charges lawyer as soon as you've been accused 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 attorney can advise what to share and what not to share with the state.
Lastly, your drug charges attorney will leverage local court relationships to explore different defense avenues. Acting fast lets us build a defense before the prosecution has completed its case, and we can even move to dismiss charges if the evidence is in your favor.
Drug Types and Legal Context in Glendale, CA:
When you work with a Glendale, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who knows how the prosecution treats different drug types. Below, we've listed what types of drugs we most frequently defend charges for in Glendale, 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 | Also known as MDMA, Molly, and E. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug that can be either a powdered form or a solid rock (Crack) Long term use can dampen the brain's reward pathway. |
| Methamphetamine | A stimulant known to affect people's energy levels and emotional stability. |
| Opioids | A class of drugs, including both natural and synthetic types. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | An extremely dangerous drug made by processing morphine. 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. |
Sentences vary significantly by substance, quantity, prior record, and the act you're being accused of. 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, and the sentence can change based on the specific substance and quantity involved.
- Fentanyl carries additional exposure: Proposition 36 (2024) created a list of drugs, including fentanyl, which can trigger felony enhancement if possessed along with a loaded firearm.
- Most of the time, federal drug charges result in harsher, longer sentences.
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 Glendale, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which is popularly smoked to get high. Smoking marijuana used to be illegal in California, but in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, legalizing its recreational use.
Since California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Glendale, CA, typically have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. As an 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
- Typically, adults over 21 can grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Glendale, 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.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Glendale, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley are an experienced group of drug defense lawyers serving the Glendale, CA, area. 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
Possession charges are the first level of drug charges in Glendale, CA. 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 Glendale, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, and can protect your freedom through diversionary programs, if applicable.
Relevant statutes: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under Health and Safety Code 11350, 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
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). For these felony charges, 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). These charges carry longer exposure — 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 they share one common attribute: They don't exist in a vacuum. To be charged with an enhancement, there has to be another criminal accusation.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Glendale, 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 Glendale 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, up to and including life imprisonment and substantial fines.
It's hard to think of many charges worse to face than this. And you need a a seasoned criminal defense lawyer with the resources to match the United States government. Our office will conduct investigations, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a positive result for your case.
DUIs and Drug Charges Defense in Glendale, CA
Drug cases often intersect with another type of case in Glendale, CA: DUIs. Drug DUI defense cases can include a many different circumstances, 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 accused of drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Glendale, CA, DUI defense lawyer who argue for 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 Glendale, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Qualitites
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Glendale, CA, it can feel impossible trying to decide which one to represent you. Your life may depend on it, after all.
These are the main qualities you want to look for in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Prior Experience fighting against these charges
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your local county
- A Track Record of 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, our firm fulfills all of these requirements. We have over five decades of combined courtroom experience, including former prosecutors. We know judges and attorneys 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 need anything from our offices.
Ways Our Lawyers Defend Against Drug Charges
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. No two cases in Glendale, CA, are identical, and you should have a unique defense plan to match.
While we use some common base strategies, we'll build your defense out to fit your unique circumstances. Below are some staunch 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.
- 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 law enforcement agent coerced you into breaking a drug 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: In some cases, where it's not reasonable for the alleged offender to have the charges dropped entirely, a positive outcome can still be achieved through a plea deal.
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Glendale, CA, call one of our lawyers now.
Glendale, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Glendale has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Glendale, CA, drug charges lawyer what you can do to increase your chances of entering one of these programs.
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. If you participate in this, you can expect to participate in 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 prevents you from going through 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 takes a different approach than a typical 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.
If you're facing this charge, you have a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, and the underlying drug charge case is dropped (the arrest record will remain, but is sealed); fail or refuse treatment, and you face the felony charge, with a prison sentence of up to three years. 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 Glendale, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, help you decide what route to take, and fight to keep a conviction off your record.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
If you are not a U.S. citizen, 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.
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 can be a factor independent of whether or not the conviction includes a jail sentence.
A few key distinctions matter a great deal:
- Simple possession for personal use (for the majority of drugs) is ordinarilly 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 not treated as lightly. They are typically classified 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 tell you about these immigration consequences before you make a plea. We will fight for an outcome — such as a plea deal to another, non-drug charge, or a disposition that avoids 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 fighting a drug charge, tell your attorney immediately — this materially changes how your case should be defended.
Drug Charge 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 — 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 but firmly refuse to answer any questions outside of providing your identity, and request counsel right away — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in Glendale, 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 non-citizens need support from a lawyer who can handle both criminal and immigration defense.
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. Your eligibility is ultimately determined by the underlying charge and your existing record.
Does Glendale, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
Simple possession of most controlled substances for personal use is typically a misdemeanor for first-time offenders. Possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are generally felonies regardless of prior record.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Be Your Glendale, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
You need help from experts in defending against drug charges Your future matters, and it depends on partnering with the right defense lawyer. Fortunately, we're here to help.
The Glendale, 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 defend all kinds of major criminal charges, including drug crime allegations. We explore every avenue to find the right path forward for our clients.
We also aid with the following legal services in Glendale, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Get in touch with your Glendale drug charges lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or use our online contact form to schedule a free 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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