Drug Charges Lawyer in Inglewood, CA. There's no such thing as a "good" drug charge to be accused of in Inglewood, CA. 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 methamphetamine to fentanyl. If found guilty, you can face life-altering consequences.
Get help before it's too late. You need Inglewood, CA's leading criminal defense attorney defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Inglewood 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 stand by you in front of the judge and jury if your case reaches a trial. To start building your defense, contact our team at (800) 755-5174 or use our contact form today.
Inglewood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, you can read about how a Inglewood, CA, drug defense attorney will protect your rights, the types of substances considered illegal in Inglewood, the key factors you want your defense team to have, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and more.
If you want to read about a particular topic, you can use the links in the list below to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- Top Reasons to Work With a Drug Crimes Defense Attorney in Inglewood, CA
- Common Drug Types and Their Penalties
- Different Types of Drug Crime Allegations in Inglewood, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Inglewood
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- Possible Defenses That We Use in Drug Cases
- Avenues to Divert Your Drug Charges
- Impact of Drug Crime Convictions on Non-U.S. Citizens
- Drug Allegation FAQs
- Contact Your Inglewood, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All Drug Crime Allegations Our Firm Will Fight Against
Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Inglewood, CA, NOW
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Inglewood, CA, it's a big deal, no matter what. The same action can be interpreted by the state in multiple ways, meaning you can always face felony consequences.
The first reason you should contact a drug charges lawyer as soon as possible is to give you an understanding of the accusations. A simple possession case shouldn't be treated the same as a drug manufacturing case, and your defense attorney should have strategies to defend each.
The second reason to call a local Inglewood, CA, drug charges lawyer as soon as you've been accused is to protect yourself from mistakes. After a police interview without proper legal representation, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. Your defense attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
On top of that, your drug charges lawyer will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Acting fast gives you a head start against the state, and in many cases, we can file a motion to dismiss charges if we can act before the state builds a compelling case.
Common Drug Types in Inglewood, CA, Legal Cases:
When picking a Inglewood, 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 Inglewood, CA.
| 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. Use can cause both mood and psychedelic effects. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive stimulant derived from a South American plant Long term use can dampen the brain's reward pathway. |
| Methamphetamine | Synthetic stimulant originally used to improve focus, but with serious side effects. |
| Opioids | Class of drugs originally intended for use as pain relievers. These include morphine, oxycodone, and heroin. |
| Heroin | A very addictive substance, and one of the most dangerous opioids. Courts and prosecutors often treat heroin charges harshly. |
| 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 by the type of drug, quantity, your criminal 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 drug and amount 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.
- Most of the time, federal drug charges result in harsher, longer sentences.
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 walk you through what you're actually facing.
Marijuana in Inglewood, CA
Marijuana Description: Marijuana is a plant which is popularly smoked to get high. California used to outlaw the use of marijuana, however, in 2016 the state passed Proposition 64, letting people use it recreationally.
Because California no longer criminalizes using it, marijuana (AKA cannabis) charges in Inglewood, CA, most often have more to do with how it was used, rather than just that it was used. As an example, driving with an open package of marijuana is illegal, even if you are sober.
Marijuana Legal Overview:
- Legal in limited quantities for adults 21 and older
- Typically, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Inglewood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, we can help. For example, we can argue that you were permitted to have cannabis, argue that you remained within legal limitations, and/or make the case that no laws were violated in the handling of the plant.
Drug Charge Categories in Inglewood, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley is ready to defend you against drug charges in Inglewood, CA. We help defendants fight against all kinds of drug crime allegations. In the below sections, you can learn about categories of drug crimes and some of the relevant statutes.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
Drug possession charges are some of the most basic in Inglewood, CA. All illegal chemicals can fall under this umbrella, 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 Inglewood, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, 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 is instead covered by 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. 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. Sale and transportation for sale charges are divided in a similar way: HS 11352 (most substances) vs. HS 11379 (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 all have one thing in common: They don't qualify on their own. In order to be charged with an enhancement, you first need to face a different criminal charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Inglewood, 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 Inglewood prosecutor.
These can include anything from trafficking to drug smuggling, 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.
If you're accused of a drug crime in federal court, you're up against a lot. And you need a an experienced criminal defense lawyer who's prepared to fight the federal prosecutor. Our firm will protect your rights, look for legal loopholes, dissect the case against you, and make every effort to secure a favorable outcome for your case.
The Intersection Between Drug Charges and DUIs in Inglewood, CA
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Inglewood, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. Drug DUI defense cases can include a several situations, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by prescribed medication. 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 alcohol).
When up against drug DUI charges, you don't just need a drug charges lawyer. You also need a skillful Inglewood, CA, DUI defense lawyer who will fight your case both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — for most DUI cases, you only have ten days after an arrest to request a hearing.
Qualities in a Good Drug Charges Defense Lawyer
If you're looking for a drug charges lawyer in Inglewood, CA, it can feel impossible trying to decide which one to represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
Here are the top factors you want to find in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Extensive Experience fighting against these charges
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Relationships with prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction
- A Reputation of Delivering Success versus the prosecution in drug cases
- Availability Anytime in case an emergency occurs and you need help
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 former prosecutors. We have a wide reach with relationships across the state of California. And we have delivered many victories for Californians.
We will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can talk to us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Possible Defense Tactics Against Drug Charges
Whatever law you're accused of breaking, you have your own unique story to tell. Everyone in the Inglewood, CA, criminal courts is there under different circumstances, 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. Here 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.
- Didn't Belong to You: If the substance in question was, in fact, illegal, but belonged to another person, you shouldn't face possession charges.
- Entrapment: In some cases, if an undercover law enforcement agent coerced you into buying or using illicit drugs, you may be exempt from a conviction.
- Prescription: This isn't an option for every offense and type of drug, but some accusations can be alleviated if you were legally prescribed the 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 Inglewood, CA, get in touch with the Law Offices of David S. Chesley today.
Inglewood, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Inglewood has diversion and treatment options available, which your Inglewood, CA, drug charges lawyer can try to utilize in your case. To qualify, defendants must meet legal guidelines. Here are a couple of programs that might apply in your case:
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is a very desirable outcome for many people facing drug charges. It generally involves drug education classes, requirements to stay sober, 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 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.
While this doesn't automatically keep people out of jail, it 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 increased sentencing exposure tied to drug quantity for certain substances and updated the list of drugs that trigger firearm-related enhancements to include fentanyl.
Your Inglewood, CA, drug charges lawyer is here to help you understand the charges, explore sentencing and charge alternatives with you, and come up with a strategy that maximizes your chances of a positive outcome.
Drug Convictions' Impact on Immigration Status
If you are a lawful permanent resident or are in Inglewood, 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.
Under federal immigration law, a conviction for almost any controlled substance offense can make a non-citizen deportable, with one specific exception: marijuana charges for no more than 30 grams of the substance, and only intended it for person use, not sale. This applies to 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 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 significantly more serious. They are often considered aggravated felonies, which can trigger mandatory deportation with little to no opportunity for relief or future re-entry.
- 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. Our firm works hard to find outcomes — such as a plea to a non-drug offense, or a disposition that avoids 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 fighting a drug charge, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
Drug Allegation Defense 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. If your case is resolved through PC 1000 or a completed Prop 36 treatment program, you may be eligible to have the arrest sealed or the record cleared — ask your attorney what applies to your specific case.
Do I need to answer police questions if I have illegal drugs on me?
No. You are not required to answer any self-incriminating questions during an interrogation. Be respectful to the police, but do not provide any information besides your identity, and ask for a lawyer right away — anything you say can be used to elevate a simple possession charge to a possession-for-sale charge.
Can I expunge a previous drug conviction in Inglewood, 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. 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 support from a lawyer who can handle both criminal and immigration defense.
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.
Is a first-time drug possession charge a felony in Inglewood, CA?
It's rare for first-time possession cases to be charged as a felony in Inglewood, CA — they're typically treated as misdemeanors. Distribution, manufacturing, or trafficking charges are different, though: These are normally treated as felonies, even for a first-time offender.
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley Is Ready to Be Your Inglewood, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
This isn't a time to settle for "good enough." It's important to fight for a positive outcome, and it depends on partnering with the right defense team. We are ready to take your case.
The Inglewood, 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 Inglewood, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Contact your Inglewood drug charges defense lawyer now at (800) 755-5174 or reach out online to set up a no-strings review of your case.
Drug Charges Our Lawyers Fight in Inglewood, 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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