Drug Charges Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA. There are a wide variety of drug laws you can be charged with breaking in Manhattan Beach, CA. You could be accused of possessing them, selling them, or making them. These charges can include all kinds of substances from marijuana to fentanyl. Regardless of the type of substance or specific law you're accused of breaking, on your own, you're staring down massive punishments if convicted.
Get help before it's too late. You need Manhattan Beach, CA's premier criminal defense attorney defending your rights. You need the Law Offices of David S. Chesley.
Our local Manhattan Beach drug charges lawyers know the ins and outs of California drug laws. We will give you honest advice, discuss defense tactics, and fight for the best deal or other outcome in your case. To start fighting the charges, call our lawyers at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online now.
Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer: Page Summary
On this page, we will go over what a Manhattan Beach, CA, drug charges attorney can do to defend you, categories of drug crime allegations in Manhattan Beach, the key factors you want your defense team to have, effective defense tactics against all sorts of charges, and the intersection between drug charges and DUIs in Manhattan Beach.
To learn about a specific topic, click on the appropriate link in the following menu to navigate to a specific topic and learn more:
- Why You Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA, NOW
- Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Types and Possible Penalties
- Categories of Drug Charges in Manhattan Beach, CA
- Intersections Between Drugs and DUIs in Manhattan Beach
- Top Drug Defense Attorney Qualities
- 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
- Contact Your Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charges Attorney Now
- All the Drug Charges Our Lawyers Defend Against
The Importance of a Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer
If you've been accused of a drug crime in Manhattan Beach, CA, it's a big deal, no matter what. Two people who committed similar acts can face very different charges, meaning you can always face years in prison.
The first reason you should work with 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 fight against whatever you've been accused of.
The second reason to contact a local Manhattan Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer first thing in your case is to protect yourself from mistakes. If you say something incorrect in an interrogation, you could see simple possession allegations elevated to possession-for-sale accusations. Your attorney can stop you from experiencing self-incrimination.
Finally, your drug charges lawyer will give you access to expertise and relationships you wouldn't otherwise have. Early intervention 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.
Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Types and Their Penalties:
When you work with a Manhattan Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer, you should go with an attorney who can defend charges related to the specific kind of drug in the allegations. 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 | While most prescription drugs are technically legal, it can be illegal to possess or use them without permission. |
| Ecstacy | A synthetic drug closely related to methamphetamine. A stimulant often used at parties. |
| Cocaine | A highly addictive drug 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 highly refined type of opioid. 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. |
Sentences vary significantly based on the type of drug, how much there was, prior record, and the type of charge. For some typical accusations:
- 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 are more serious charges. Most accusations are felonies, with sentencing ranges that depend heavily on the specific drug 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.
- 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 our office for a free case evaluation and we'll help you get an idea of what you're up against.
Marijuana in Manhattan Beach, 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 it has been legalized for recreational use, marijuana (AKA cannabis) allegations in Manhattan Beach, CA, frequently 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:
- Adults over the age of 21 can carry 28.5 grams of marijuana on their person
- Generally, it is legal to grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use
- Federal law still makes marijuana usage illegal.
How Your Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charges Lawyer Can Help: If you've been accused of marijuana-related charges, your lawyer are ready for your case. For example, we can argue that you were permitted to have cannabis, show that you did not violate any regulations, and/or show that it was properly handled at all times.
Different Types of Drug Charges in Manhattan Beach, CA
The Law Offices of David S. Chesley defends a wide variety of drug charges in Manhattan Beach, CA. We help defendants fight against all kinds of drug crime allegations. In the sections below, you can learn about different categories of drug crimes and what a lawyer can do to assist you.
Drug Possession/Use Charges
The most common drug charges in Manhattan Beach, CA, are often those related to possession. They cover a wide range of substances 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 Manhattan Beach, CA, drug charges lawyer can build defenses that cast doubt on whether or not the drugs were in your possession, and can advocate for diversionary programs to keep you out of jail.
Relevant statutes: Simple possession of most hard drugs falls under 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
While drug possession and use charges target the buyer, drug production, transportation, and distribution charges target the 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 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: Possession for sale generally falls under HS 11351 (most controlled substances) or HS 11378 (methamphetamine). When charged as a felony, 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. Unlike simple possession, these charges are generally not eligible for PC 1000 or Prop 36 treatment diversion unless your attorney can negotiate the charge down to simple possession.
Drug Charge Enhancements
California's drug charge enhancement laws can be very different from each other, but one thing connects them together: They don't stand on their own. To be charged with an enhancement, there also needs to be an underlying base charge.
It's even more important to hire an experienced Manhattan Beach, 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 federal government is prosecuting you instead of the state government.
These can include anything from manufacturing to drug smuggling, but most often will involve large quantities and/or crossing state lines. Sentences are often more severe, up to and including life imprisonment 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 conduct investigations, develop a strong defense strategy, dissect the case against you, and do whatever we can to secure a positive result for you.
Manhattan Beach, CA Drug Charges and DUIs
DUIs and drug charges don't always go together in Manhattan Beach, CA, but when they do, these cases can be particularly tricky to fight. Drug DUI defense cases can include a wide range of circumstances, including everything from driving while high on marijuana to operating a motor vehicle while impaired by prescribed medication. 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 need more than a drug charges lawyer. You also need an expert Manhattan Beach, CA, DUI defense lawyer who argue for you both in criminal court and at the DMV hearing. Contact a lawyer right away — in most cases, you need to request a hearing within ten days of your arrest.
How to Find the Right Drug Crimes Defense Attorney
When picking a drug charges lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA, to take your case, it can be overwhelming trying to decide who will best represent you. Your freedom and rights hang in the balance.
These are the main qualities you want to look for in your drug allegations defense attorney:
- Vast Experience defending clients in your situation
- Knowledge of how the district attorney approaches these cases
- Existing Relationships at the courts in your local county
- A Reputation of Delivering Positive Outcomes versus the prosecution in drug cases
- Availability Anytime so that you can get help when you need it most
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 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 our clients.
We will always be honest with you about the state of your case, and you can get a hold of us 24/7 if you have any questions or concerns.
Strong Defense Strategies Our Attorneys Use in Drug Cases
Your charges might be the same as someone else's, but your case is unique. The details are different for every criminal case in Manhattan Beach, CA, 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: In some cases, you can't be convicted if you broke the law on accident. For example, if police found illegal drugs in your car, but they weren't yours, and you weren't aware of them, you didn't transport them, legally speaking.
- 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 some cases, if an undercover police officer coerced you into violating the law, you cannot be held liable for doing so.
- 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: 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've been accused of a drug crime in Manhattan Beach, CA, reach out to one of our attorneys today.
Manhattan Beach, CA, Drug Charge Diversion Options:
Manhattan Beach has diversion and treatment options available, which can be an excellent option if you are eligible. Ask your Manhattan Beach, 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. Here are a couple of programs that might apply in your case:
PC 1000 Drug Diversion
California PC 1000 Deferred Entry of Judgment is often a very helpful, positive outcome for individuals accused of simple possession. If you participate in this, you can expect to participate in 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 prevents you from going through 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 approach drug offense diversion from a unique angle.
Under the current version, 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. If you're facing this charge, you have a choice: complete court-mandated treatment, you avoid a conviction; if you don't take this option, you'll have to fight 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 Manhattan Beach, 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.
Immigration Consequences of a Drug Conviction
For immigrants in Manhattan Beach, CA, you're facing even more serious consequences than a U.S. citizen — 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 one narrow exception: marijuana charges for no more than 30 grams of the substance, and only intended it for person use, not sale. This can affect 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 enough to qualify for removal, but is not automatically classified as an "aggravated felony" — meaning that you likely won't lose access to certain modes of immigration relief.
- 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 has a constitutional duty to inform you about these immigration implications prior to entering your plea. An attorney who understands both sides can negotiate a resolution — such as a plea to a non-drug offense, or a disposition that avoids 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, it's important to avoid mistakes from the very start of your case. If you are a non-citizen fighting a drug case, tell your attorney immediately — they should take immigration factors into account when working on your case.
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 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. You are not required to answer any self-incriminating questions during an interrogation. Politely decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself, and request counsel immediately — making a mistake early on can cause major consequences down the line.
Can a drug conviction be expunged in Manhattan Beach, 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. The conviction can still potentially be used as grounds for deportation, though, which is why non-citizens need immigration-aware counsel handling both the criminal case and any later cleanup.
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. 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 Manhattan Beach, CA, prosecute drug possession charges as felonies?
For most first-time possession cases in Manhattan Beach, CA, you'll only face a misdemeanor charge. This isn't true for every drug charge in Manhattan Beach, though: More serious allegations like selling drugs are normally treated as a felony regardless of whether this is your first time being charged or not.
Need a Drug Charges Lawyer in Manhattan Beach, CA? Call the Law Offices of David S. Chesley Today
These charges need to be treated seriously Your future matters, and it depends on picking the right attorney. We are ready to take your case.
The Manhattan Beach, CA, drug charges lawyers at the Law Offices of David S. Chesley are known for delivering positive outcomes for clients. We have former prosecutors on our team who know how the state builds its case. We will always be honest with you and will fight for the best outcome possible.
We also aid with the following legal services in Manhattan Beach, CA:
- Domestic Violence Lawyer
- Sex Crimes Lawyer
- Immigration Lawyer
- Theft Lawyer
- Violent Crimes Lawyer
- DUI Lawyer
- Criminal Defense Lawyer
Talk to your Manhattan Beach drug crimes defense attorney today at (800) 755-5174 or tell us about your case online for a free review of your case.
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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